1789 - 1848
The 18th and 19th century were the era of revolution. The people started to rebel against their rulers. The revolutions were the source of profound power-political and socio-political changes throughout Europe and have influenced today’s understanding of democracy deeply.
Age of Revolutions
The Town
Parts of the town wall remain, but town and castle are no longer legal entities.
The Castle
diWithin the castle walls, there’s a military academy, and whoever is neither peasant nor Jew is eligible become an officer. There’s no longer a territorial lordship ruling over the town or the peasants.
Hygiene
In the town hygienic conditions are catastrophic, and the cholera is raging and claiming many lives.
Wars of Liberation
All across Europe, one can sense a fraternization with the democratic movement. In many countries so-called wars of liberation are fought, which are based on the idea of the French Revolution, which considers all humans to be equals.
The Democratic Movement
In front of the town hall, a speaker advocates author Heinrich Heine’s postulations for liberalization of the society, the participation of all classes in the social ascend and social achievements, and in political codetermination.
The state responds restrictively by censoring democratic ideas.
Industralization and Inventions
In the course of a progressing industrialization, more and more workers are being replaced with machines. This development leads to dumping wages and price collapse for manufactured goods. Protests are growing, for example, in the Weaver’s revolt.
