The 1848 Revolutions: An Anarchist Perspective (A6)

The Revolutions of 1848 remain the most widespread revolutionary wave in European history. While remembered as essentially liberal in nature, aiming at ending the old monarchical regimes they were also note-worthy for the advent of the industrial working class as a factor in social struggle. So as well as political change, the social question was raised while the events of 1848 shaped the ideas of Marx and Proudhon. After more than 175 years since these occasions, we look at the 1848 revolutions and their lessons for today.