Short Essay on the Revolution of 1830 in Germany

A successful revolution broke out in France in July 1830 against the autocratic rule of Charles X. The news of this revolution greatly inspired the patriots of Germany, who were cruelly crushed by Metternich with the help of the Carlsbad Decrees.

They were so highly excited and fired with a passion of patriotism that they again tried to revolt against their rulers and unify German states into one nation.

The rulers of almost all states except Austria and Prussia were compelled to introduce liberal constitutions in their respective states. Charles, the King of Brunswick, was divested of his throne and the revolutionaries introduced a new and liberal constitution there.

In the same way, other small states also followed the path of the people of Brunswick. The southern states of Germany were inclined to establish a military league in order to establish peace in the country.

They opposed the leadership of Austria. It was made clear that the administration of the German states was going into the hands of military league in place of Federal Diet.

The Empire of Austria remained untouched by the influence of the revolution. At that time the influence and power of Metternich was at its zenith. He at once adopted strict and repressive measures to suppress the revolutions of the different states of Germany.

The Carlsbad Decrees were renewed in 1832 and the provisions were strictly implemented everywhere. Restrictions on public meetings, speech, press, universities and colleges were further strengthened.

In April, 1833 some revolutionaries made an attack upon the Federal Diet. Although the attack was ruthlessly repulsed with the help of army, it became clear – hat the people of Germany had no faith in the functioning of the Federal Diet.

As a whole, the effects of the July Revolution of 1830 were nullified in German states. The influence of Metternich remained unchallenged in Germany till 1848.

The efforts of the patriots were neutralized by the reactionary powers led by Metternich. Nevertheless, the ideas of patriotism, nationalism, liberty, and unity could not be rooted out. These ideas had become an integral part of the life of the Germans.