Causes of 1848 Revolutions

Question 1

Argument:

Answer 1

It was truly the poor socio-economic conditions of the peasantry that led to revolution as opposed to the spread of liberalism.

Question 2

Socio Economic Conditions

Answer 2

Jones

1815 - continuing fall in agricultural prices

Neapolitan liberal, Settembrini, who notes ‘The condition of the peasants is appalling. The Peasant has to sell his honour for bread’

1836 - cholera epidemic which killed 1/10 of the population

1848 - there were food riots in Lombardy and some land seizures in Tuscany

Question 3

Criticisms of Socio-Economic Conditions

Answer 3

However, one perspective maintains these were not revolutions.

Those involved in rural unrest did not seek Italian unification, and the scale of these ‘revolts’ was limited with both food riots in Lombardy being abruptly put down.

Moreover, not that significant given economic problems didn’t affect all population.

E.g. building of railways led to economic expansion as increased mobilisation – highlighted by growth in middle class

Question 4

Liberalism

Answer 4

Smith

Young Italy in 1831, and would have 60,000