03. Right or Left? Political Movements 1840–1848
1848: Revolution in Luxembourg - An Exhibition by the National Archives and the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg
By Chambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
"Liberty leading the People" by Eugène Delacroix (1830)
Liberty Leading the People (1830) by Eugène DelacroixChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Delacroix’s painting embodies the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Marianne, the figure of liberty, calls for breaking with the old order. Paris, since the French Revolution a center of upheaval, inspires movements across Europe in 1830 and 1848.
Since 1789, Paris shapes Europe with revolutionary ideas. Liberty, equality, fraternity – born of the French Revolution – inspire the July Revolution of 1830 and the revolutions of 1848. They shake monarchies and foster hopes for political participation.
When Paris coughs, Europe catches a cold.
Prince Klemens Wenzel Lothar von Metternich (1773–1859)
The mastermind of the Restoration, Metternich, seeks to prevent revolutions and secure monarchies. The phrase "When Paris coughs, Europe catches a cold" is attributed to him. He uses strict censorship and a strong police apparatus to suppress liberal and nationalist movements.
The Ideological Division of Europe
The 1840s are fraught with tensions: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels advocate for a classless society, Étienne Cabet dreams of a utopian community, and Ultramontanism emphasizes church authority. The conservative German Confederation suppresses revolutionary tendencies with strict censorship and repression. The Carlsbad Decrees of 1819 serve as a foundation to uphold monarchic order and traditional social structures.
Karl Marx (1818-1883)
develops the vision of a classless society and works on the first drafts of the Communist Manifesto.
Friedrich Engels (1820-1895)
a pioneer of historical materialism, critiques social inequality and collaborates closely with Marx in developing revolutionary theories.
Pope Gregory XVI (1765-1846)
strengthens the authority of the papacy and opposes liberal movements. As an advocate of Ultramontanism, he emphasises Rome's supremacy and calls on Catholics to follow the Pope’s authority in political matters.
Étienne Cabet (1788-1856)
is a central figure of Catholic utopian socialism. In his 1840 novel Travels to Icaria, he envisions an ideal society without private property or class distinctions.
After the outbreak of the 1848 Revolution, Cabet calls for the realisation of his utopia in the USA with the poster Allons en Icarie!. One such poster is also found in Luxembourg.
Victor Tedesco (1821-1897)
a revolutionary born in Luxembourg, works with Marx and Engels. He connects the social question with democratic movements on the eve of 1848.
In his textbook Catéchisme du Prolétaire, Tedesco defines the term "proletarian" and criticises social inequality, advocating justice and solidarity as foundations for a new social order.
Ultramontanism and Church Reforms
A striking example of Ultramontanism’s influence is Jean-Théodore Laurent, appointed Apostolic Vicar in Luxembourg in 1841, who aims to steer the church away from State influence.
Jean-Théodore Laurent (1804-1884)
Laurent strengthens the Catholic Church as a moral authority and demands its independence from the state. Despite support from William II, he faces resistance from liberal, anti-clerical bourgeoisie who view church interference as a threat.
Michel Nicolas Muller (1793-1876)
opposes Laurent with josephinist ideas. As a neo-humanist and Kantian, he advocates for a rational, state-oriented church. Laurent sees him as a key opponent.
Hostile to Enlightenment ideas, Laurent idealizes the "simple" and "untainted" people, whose popular faith he seeks to uphold. Marian devotion becomes a source of identity – a symbol of homeland, comfort, and divine order in times of social upheaval.
View from inside the Church of Notre-Dame (1865) by Juan MartinChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
In 1844, Laurent obtains papal approval to rename the present-day cathedral Church of Our Lady. The Rosary confraternity and procession are revived after a 25-year hiatus.
Édouard Michaelis (1813-1855)
In 1845, Laurent establishes the Luxembourg seminary to train clergy loyal to Rome. Édouard Michaelis, a chaplain from Münster, shapes its strictly Ultramontane orientation.
A new catechism (1847) by Jean-Théodore LaurentChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Laurent's Luxembourg Catechism
In 1847, Laurent publishes a new catechism tailored to Luxembourg’s context.
The Debate on the Social Question
The social crises of the 1840s culminate in the 1847 potato crisis. The church advocates charitable solutions, while liberals push for state intervention and criticise church interference. For Laurent, the church remains the sole moral authority to address poverty.
Laurent's social message: Christian charity (1847) by Jean-Théodore LaurentChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Laurent uses pastoral letters to communicate with the faithful. These letters, read in churches, have broad influence. In a 1847 letter, he criticises state welfare.
Circular regarding the establishment of public charity in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (29.12.1846) by William IIChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
To maintain church influence in welfare and limit state control, Laurent instructs clergy to engage with state welfare offices established by the 1846 Welfare Act.
Press Freedom and Censorship
The press is a contested arena. The German Confederation enforces censorship to suppress revolutionary ideas.
Public opinion is the new power on the battlefield.
Gustav Struve (1805-1870)
The radical democratic publicist and revolutionary captures the role of the press as a tool of change: "Public opinion is the new power on the battlefield."
Karl Wilhelm Ernst Baron von Canitz (1787-1850)
Invoking the Carlsbad Decrees (1819) Karl Wilhelm Ernst Baron von Canitz und Dallwitz demands strict press oversight in the German Confederation.
The April 5, 1845 issue of the catholic Luxembourger Zeitung illustrates how censorship is applied in Luxembourg.
On June 23, 1847, the liberal Courrier du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg sarcastically critiques censorship: "Our press is free—as long as it remains silent, praises, and paints the world a rosy red."
Reforms and Social Justice
The left-wing lawyer Charles Théodore André also uses the press as a platform. After press freedom is introduced on March 20, 1848, he advocates for social justice and voting rights for men aged 21 and over in the Diekircher Wochenblatt on April 8, 1848.
The debates ignited in the 1840s about freedom, equality, fraternity, and political participation continue to resonate today. They shape our discussions on democratic values, social justice, and individual freedoms – reminding us that the demands raised on the eve of 1848 remain relevant to this day.
This is how it continues: 04. A Country in Conflict? Monarchy, Clergy, and the Liberal Movement
Click here to access the overview of the 10 stories from the exhibition “1848: Revolution in Luxembourg”.
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