When did the revolutions known as the "springtime of nations" take place?

The revolutions known variously as “the springtime of nations”, “the springtime of the peoples” or “the revolutions of 1848,” were a series of revolutions throughout Europe from January 1848 to October1849. It remains the most widespread revolutionary wave in European history to date (2025).

The revolutions were essentially democratic and liberal, with the aim of removing the old monarchical structures and creating independent nation-states, as envisioned by romantic nationalism. The revolutions spread across Europe after the January 1848 revolution began in Italy. Some of the major contributing factors were dissatisfaction with political leadership, demands for more participation in government and democracy, demands for freedom of the press, demands made by the working class for economic rights, the upsurge of nationalism, and the European potato failure.

The uprisings were led by temporary coalitions of workers and reformers, including figures from the middle and upper classes. Significant lasting reforms included the abolition of serfdom in Austria and Hungary, the end of absolute monarchy in Denmark, and the introduction of representative democracy in the Netherlands. Over 50 countries were affected; the revolutions were most important in France, the Netherlands, Italy, the Austrian Empire, and the states of the German Confederation.

The picture is “On the barricades on the Rue Soufflot, Paris, 25 June 1848”, by Horace Vernet.