Revolutions of 1848 Pre-1848 Tensions: Long-Term Industrialization Zollverein Population doubled in the 18c Food supply problems Ideological Challenges Liberalism, nationalism, democracy, socialism. Romanticism Repressive Measures Carlsbad Decrees [Prus.] Secret police created in many European states Pre-1848 Tensions: Short-Term Agricultural Crises Poor cereal harvests Potato blight Ireland Financial Crises Investment bubbles burst railways, iron, coal. Unemployment increased rapidly [esp. among the artisan/middle class]. Working & middle classes are now joined in misery as are the urban and agricultural peasantry! France The February Revolution Working class & liberals unhappy with King Louis Philippe So? they protest and? Troops open fire on peaceful protestors.