05. Power to the People? The Uprising and Its Limits
1848: Revolution in Luxembourg - An Exhibition by the National Archives and the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg
By the late 1840s, about 62,000 Germans live in Paris, including workers and craftsmen from Luxembourg. Like the French lower classes, they suffer from economic hardship.
Jean Jacquemin (1814-1876)
is one of them. He emigrates to Paris in 1844 to work as a salesman. In 1846, he receives his worker’s livret – a document that serves both as proof of employment and a tool of control, recording conduct and "missteps" noted by the employer.
A Spark from Paris
His France 1848 RevolutionLIFE Photo Collection
On 22 February 1848, Parisian workers and citizens rise up (documentary by @RetroNewsBnF). Barricade fights topple the monarchy. The revolution spreads quickly—from Paris to Berlin, Vienna, and beyond.
We halt the press to insert the following telegram, delivered by courier: The King [of France] abdicates. The Duchess of Orléans is named Regent, with Odilon Barrot forming the ministry. General Lamoricière is appointed commander of the Paris National Guard.
News of the upheaval in Paris spreads quickly, reaching Luxembourg on February 25, 1848. Monarchs across Europe fear the revolutionary spark.
Between Hope and Fear: Revolution and Xenophobia
The revolution carries with it not just the promise of freedom, but also the weight of growing tensions.
Xenophobia in France (12.04.1848) by Diekircher WochenblattChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
With newly gained press freedom, Luxembourg receives unfiltered reports of xenophobic violence in France for the first time.
Homecoming with a Detour
In Paris, Georg Herwegh founds the German Democratic Legion. Around 1,200 poorly equipped workers – including Luxembourgers – march toward Baden to support the revolution.
Not all join out of conviction. A gendarmerie report shows that many Luxembourg workers use the Legion as a free means to return home.
William II reacts with concern.
The German Confederation Watches Over Luxembourg
The fear that angry crowds might demand a republic - stoked by constitutional liberals across the German Confederation – does not stop at the Grand Duchy's borders.
The Prussian military administration closely monitors the situation. The garrison is placed on high alert.
An Appeal and a Threat: William’s Proclamation
Military exercise of the Prussian Federal garrison at Fort Charles (1887) by Michel EngelsChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
The garrison is placed on high alert.
On 7 March 1848, the monarch issues a proclamation highlighting the country’s progress – and warning against any agitation.
Unrest soon breaks out in Luxembourg.
Under Control: The Government’s Meticulous Record-Keeping Under Control: The Government’s Meticulous Record-Keeping (27.02.1848-16.03.1848) by Luxembourg GovernmentChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Between 27 February and 16 March 1848, the Luxembourg government meticulously documents every reaction to the February Revolution in Paris.
Marseillaise and Chant belge echo through the streets, revolutionary flags fly. Yet none of the political actors call for a republic. Is the unrest mere symbolism – or something more?
Ettelbruck Rises Up
On 11 March 1848, discontent erupts in Ettelbruck: unemployment and a sense of being neglected by the government in favoor of Diekirch drive people into the streets. Abbé Kalbersch (English version of the Biography video) describes flags being raised and revolutionary songs sung (English version of the Chronicle video).
Reforms and the Apostolic Vicar in the Crosshairs
Unrest grows in the capital too.
A Pamphlet Sparks Uproar
On the night of March 12–13, an anonymous pamphlet appears, demanding political reforms, social improvements, and the dismissal of Apostolic Vicar Laurent.
The warning was not without reason. The call to dismiss controversial Apostolic Vicar Jean-Théodore Laurent divides the people. A day later, violent clashes erupt in the capital between Catholics and anticlerical liberals. Mayor Ferdinand Pescatore’s house is damaged.
Order – or Prussian Force
On March 15, Luxembourg’s city council appeals to citizens: Stay calm, respect the law! Yet between the lines, a warning looms – the Prussian garrison might intervene.
Two newspapers, two realities: The Catholic Luxemburger Wort and the liberal and anti-clerical newspaper Courrier du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg report on the events of 15-16 March 1848 from opposing perspectives. English videos: Luxembourg March 1848 (1/3) – Two Truths Luxembourg March 1848 (2/3) – Catholics vs. Liberals Luxembourg March 1848 (3/3): Rumors, Protest, and the Uprising of March 16
Following the unrest of 16 March, Luxembourg’s city council imposes emergency measures. Article 52 of the municipal law allows it to issue special police regulations.
The Double Question of Guilt (22.03.1848) by Frédéric de BlochausenChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
A Double Game in Turbulent Times
Who bears responsibility? In a letter to William II, Chancellor de Blochausen blames Laurent for the unrest – yet also accuses the monarch of failing to act in time.
The political crisis intensifies. While Laurent defends himself, calls for his dismissal grow louder.
Laurent’s Final Battle – and His Fall
On 18 March, Laurent calls for calm in a pastoral letter. But his influence fades as William II withdraws his support and sides with the government. Under growing pressure, Laurent is eventually expelled from the country.
With Laurent’s departure, tensions seem to ease. But unrest stirs beyond the capital.
From Wiltz to the south of the country, citizens demonstrate against social injustices and raise revolutionary flags. The unrest remains sporadic, but makes the desire for social justice visible - a concern that is also reflected in numerous petitions.
Some hotbeds of unrest: (English videos) Mersch to the Oesling Diekirch Feulen Beaufort, Larochette and Echternach Moselle Villages Southern Luxembourg
With Laurent’s departure, tensions seem to ease. But how will the monarchy respond to the continued demands for political reform?
This is how it continues: 06. Who May Vote – and for Whom? Power Struggles in 1848
Click here to access the overview of the 10 stories from the exhibition “1848: Revolution in Luxembourg”.
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