The Revolutions of 1848 in Europe – The Social Question

Abstract

The social problems and grievances accompanying the Industrial Revolution, that is, the transition from agricultural to urbanized industrial society, are referred to as the Social Question. In Germany, the beginning of this transition was registered in the early19th century. Long before this moment in history, acute penury among huge sections of the population had already emerged. This was caused by the growing population, the decline of the old crafts and the gradual emergence of factory industry. The importance of the riot of the Silesian weavers in 1844 consisted in the public attention it attracted. It can also be regarded as a crucial event during the preliminary stages of the revolution beginning in 1848.

The living and working conditions were also a main reason for the French workers to go again (after 1830) to the barricades in 1848. On June 24,1848, there was a riot of workers in a response to closing French National Workshops, which had provided work opportunities for the unemployed.