Overview
In 1848 there were revolutions in most major European states except Britain. These are often seen as failures but they also had long-lasting consequences, some beneficial to the cause of liberty and limited government, others not. In fact, these events occupy a central yet problematic place in the story of the development of liberty and personal responsibility in the modern West.
Classical liberals were leading actors in the revolts but some classical liberals opposed them or were deeply skeptical. The outcomes of the various revolutions were in many ways favorable to liberty, but in retrospect they can also be seen as the point where European classical liberalism began to lose its way, particularly in Central Europe.
The ultimate aim of this discussion colloquium is to encourage conversation on the place of 1848 in the overall history of the development and tribulations of the cause of liberty and individual self-governance and responsibility. The discussion will be led by Stephen Davies, Head of Education at the Institute of Economic Affairs, and will be held in the Washington, DC, area.
We encourage late stage PhD students and postdoctoral fellows interested in this discussion to apply. Food and lodging will be covered for the duration of the event, and participants will receive a $500 honorarium for completing the program. Travel stipends will be provided based upon need.
Sessions
I : Introduction to the Revolutions of 1848 and the One That Did Not Happen—Britain in 1848
II: France 1848 to 1852
III: The 1848 Revolutions in Germany and the Frankfurt Diet
IV: The Revolutions of 1848 in the Habsburg Lands
V: Nationalism and Liberty in 1848
VI: Democracy and Socialism in Opposition to Classical Liberalism in 1848
