01. Entwined and Dependent: Luxembourg Before 1848
1848: Revolution in Luxembourg - An Exhibition by the National Archives and the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg
A small state in the shadow of the great powers
An agrarian country, economically and politically dependent on its neighbours.
Since 1815, it has been a member of the German Confederation and ruled in personal union by Dutch kings.
The enthronement of William II (1840-1845) by Nicolaas PienemanChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
On October 7, 1840, William II becomes King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
A King and His Dual Role
The Separation from Belgium: Economic Impacts (2025) by Johann DietzChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Divided and Shaken
With the Treaty of London in 1839, Luxembourg loses nearly half its territory. The 1840s are marked by economic uncertainty and a search for identity—a decade caught between rupture and uncertainty.
From June 19 to 24, 1841, William II visits Luxembourg for the first time. Courageous politicians point out the country’s difficult economic situation following the partition. The London Treaty of 1839 cut Luxembourg off from Belgium, plunging it into an economic crisis. William II appears open to reform ideas and signals an approach toward liberal movements – but his promises remain vague.
In Diekirch, Wilhelm II is given a ceremonial welcome. The mayor, Vendelin Jurion, openly describes the difficult situation in which Luxembourg finds itself to the monarch. (English version of the video)
Prussian Troops and Economic Constraints
Luxembourg is firmly embedded in the structures of the German Confederation – including militarily. The fortress of Luxembourg houses a Prussian federal garrison, serving as a guarantor of stability but also placing the country under Prussian influence. Since 1842, Luxembourg has also been economically linked to the German Customs Union – a boon for trade but also a new economic dependency.
In peacetime, 6,000 Prussian federal troops control the city and fortress of Luxembourg – a symbol of security but also of dependence.
The 170,000 inhabitants survive on backward agriculture and a few proto-industrial activities – often on the brink of subsistence.
The beggar on the plate
Everyday objects remind the economically better-off bourgeoisie of the social plight.
Grund : Work, Social contrasts, and Political impulses (1834-1836) by Nicolas Liez/ Nicolas ReuterChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
While the upper class engages in trade and politics, most Luxembourgers live in poverty.
Without social security, emigration is often the only way for workers to survive. In 1844, Jean Jacquemin leaves Luxembourg for Paris. In 1846, he receives his livret ouvrier – a document that tracks and controls workers’ behavior.
William II and the German Confederation – A Calculated Approach
Meanwhile, William II navigates between Luxembourg’s strategic role in the German Confederation and the influence of the great powers. To stabilise his rule, he aligns with intensified press censorship in 1847 – a concession to Vienna and Berlin.
Censorship vade mecum on the eve of the Revolution Year (22.11.1847) by William IIChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
The tightened press censorship in Luxembourg illustrates William II’s alignment with the German Confederation and his repressive stance against liberal demands.
William II’s initial flirtation with reforms has given way to a conservative style of governance.
February 21, 1848 – The Calm Before the Storm?
While protests begin in Paris, silence still prevails in Luxembourg. Yet the country is vulnerable – politically dependent, economically fragile. The coming weeks will reveal whether it remains stable or is caught in the revolutionary tide.
This is how it continues: 02. Between Hunger and Wealth: The Social Question Before 1848
Click here to access the overview of the 10 stories from the exhibition “1848: Revolution in Luxembourg”.
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