In a grand narrative, Jörg Bong presents a breathtaking panorama of an era of upheaval – from the first revolutionary gatherings to the battles of a democratic “Army of Freedom” against the troops of the German Confederation.
In 1848, Paris had its third revolution since 1789, the monarchy was overthrown, and the republic was proclaimed. And the revolutionary spark finally jumped across the Rhine. In the 34 German states and 4 free cities of the time, uprisings began against the ruling police and military monarchies, against the arbitrary rule of the “German Confederation.” For the first time, German states called for direct, general elections, a republic, a liberal constitution, fundamental rights, separation of powers, and social equity. It was the beginning of the dramatic struggle for the values that we take for granted today as the foundations of our polity.
"What luck! Now, at last, the German Revolution of 1848, which was enlivened by the passion and power of words, has found its rediscoverer in Jörg Bong. With ardent passion and full of tremendous knowledge, he tells us, how in 1848 all that we consider modern today began." - Florian Illies
