The revolutions that swept across Europe in 1848 marked a turning-point in the history of political and social thought. They raised questions of democracy, nationhood, freedom and social cohesion that have remained among the key issues of modern politics, and still help to define the major ideological currents - liberalism, socialism, republicanism, anarchism, conservatism - in which these questions continue to be debated today. This collection of essays by internationally prominent historians of political thought examines the 1848 Revolutions in a pan-European perspective, and offers research on questions of state power, nationality, religion, the economy, poverty, labour, and freedom. Even where the revolutionary movements failed to achieve their explicit objectives of transforming the state and social relations, they set the agenda for subsequent regimes, and contributed to the shaping of modern European thought and institutions.

'This is an immensely valuable and timely reappraisal of the intellectual imagination, force, and creativity of the 1848 revolutions across Europe. By drawing out both their achievements and limits, the essays allow us to appreciate how these revolutionary movements shaped our democratic modernity, while also illuminating contemporary political challenges.'

Karma Nabulsi - University of Oxford

'A profoundly important reappraisal of the revolutions of 1848. In a series of brilliant case-studies, the editors and contributors show that the mid-century insurrections of continental Europe were not a 'failed revolution', but a process of accelerated transformation and differentiation focused around political and social questions that still trouble us today. Essential reading for anyone interested in the history of modern politics and nineteenth-century Europe.'

Chris Clark - University of Cambridge

'… this volume provides undeniably new evidence and ideas on numerous topics related to 1848.'

Christos Aliprantis Source: German Historical Institute London Bulletin

‘Moggach and Stedman Jones’s volume gathers together essays by eminent authorities and highly-credentialed emerging scholars, each one of which makes a substantial contribution, not only to the study of 1848, but to that of revolutions more generally.’

Charles Barbour Source: The European Legacy