326: The Year of Revolutions: 1848

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland are joined by Sir Christopher Clark to discuss the European revolutions of 1848. The discussion begins with an analysis of Alexis de Tocqueville's prophetic warnings about the impending upheaval in Europe. Clark argues against the notion of the revolutions as a success or failure, instead framing them as a transformative process. The hosts explore the socio-economic conditions, political movements, and the rise of nationalism that fueled the revolutionary tinderbox. They discuss key figures like Louis Philippe, Robert Blum, and Friedrich Hecker, and analyze the spread and suppression of the revolutions across Europe, including why Britain remained relatively unaffected. The conversation concludes by highlighting the lasting impact of 1848 on European constitutions, political ideologies, and the birth of modern conservatism, emphasizing the complex interplay between revolution and counter-revolution.