ARTE Distribution

The expression “Spring of Nations” inspired the more recent “Arab Spring” of 2011. Also known as the Springtime of the Peoples, the period was characterized by a cascade of national claims. However, these movements had difficulties in coordinating, for the simple reason that these movements first of all stemmed from a desire to draw definite borders, rather than to open them.

The Parisian revolution of February 1848 overthrew the “July Monarchy”, considered corrupt and too far removed from the people, despite its partially democratic character. Coming first did not however mean this revolution inspired the others. Indeed, the chronology does not show a clear connection: a month later, Prague and Vienna revolt and the Habsburg Emperor abdicates... in favor of his son. In the meantime, in the German states, the Parliament in Frankfurt attempts a political alternative while the Italian states try to free themselves from Austrian rule. On the other hand, Hungary, like Poland, makes a strong demand for lasting autonomy. While 1848 sounded the death knell for central empires and the dawn of modern nation-states, it above all gave France the (lyrical) illusion that it remained the driving force behind national revolutions and liberations, a role it actually assumed during the French Revolution. It was nonetheless a heavy burden to bear when it came to accompanying Italian unity in the years that followed and, 20 years later, to confront a united German nation...