Starting in 1848, Europe experienced widespread revolutions and uprisings mostly to bring about liberal and sometimes radical changes to the framework of the ancient regimes that ruled the continent. Caught off-guard authoritarian and conservative governments responded in a variety of ways, from acceptance of the will of the people to harsh suppression of the revolutionaries. An example of this was seen as the legislative bodies in the smaller Germanic states issued the Grundrechte (Fundamental Rights). These included the abolishment of the titles and privileges of the aristocracy, equality under the law, habeas corpus, recognition of civil marriages, elimination of the death penalty, elimination of corporal punishment, freedom of religion, respect for languages, removal of the judiciary from politics, establishment of free trade, freedom of individuals to enter and profession they chose, freedom of travel, freedom to live where one chose, freedom of education, freedom of the press, freedom of opinion, and the removal of clerics from education. Americans will readily recognize many of these same characteristics as being in the U.S. Constitution. However, many in the list above clearly show how repressive and controlled life Central Europe was.
Prussia, Bavaria, and Austria refused to recognize the Grundrechte. Clerics and Guilds alike fought the acceptance as they stood to lose their vast influence.
The Grundrechte was but one of the many steps taken by Europeans to shed the shackles of governments dominated by aristocracies, clerics, corporations, and guilds. The German Constitution of 1849 expanded the franchise and established the secret ballot. The Constitution established King Frederick William IV as the Emperor of the Germans. The King of Prussia refused to accept what he called the "pig crown", "dog collar", and "sausage sandwich." He promised to militarily assist and government which was against the new Constitution. The forces of counter-revolution were about to make their play.
Prussia, Bavaria, and Austria refused to recognize the Grundrechte. Clerics and Guilds alike fought the acceptance as they stood to lose their vast influence.
The Grundrechte was but one of the many steps taken by Europeans to shed the shackles of governments dominated by aristocracies, clerics, corporations, and guilds. The German Constitution of 1849 expanded the franchise and established the secret ballot. The Constitution established King Frederick William IV as the Emperor of the Germans. The King of Prussia refused to accept what he called the "pig crown", "dog collar", and "sausage sandwich." He promised to militarily assist and government which was against the new Constitution. The forces of counter-revolution were about to make their play.
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