By Chambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Ausstellungsübersicht
The digital exhibition "1848: Revolution in Luxembourg" in ten chapters explores the causes, context, course, and consequences of the 1848 unrest in Luxembourg.
Click “More” next to each image to dive into the story!
Provided by the National Archives and the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg.
01. Entwined and Dependent
Luxembourg before 1848:
An agrarian country in the shadow of the great powers. This story sheds light on the economic and political tensions that shaped the Grand Duchy in the 1840s.
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02. Between Hunger and Wealth
The Social Question Before 1848:
This story shows how poverty, inequality, and hardship shaped the Grand Duchy in the 1840s. While a few live in comfort, many struggle to survive – fertile ground for the unrest of 1848.
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03. Right or Left?
Political Movements 1840–1848:
Conservatives, liberals, and revolutionaries clash. Inspired by Paris, suppressed by Metternich – in Luxembourg too, new ideas of freedom and justice challenge the old order.
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04. A Country in Conflict?
Monarchy, Clergy, and the Liberal Movement:
This story tells how the controversial Apostolic Vicar Laurent becomes a symbol of rising tensions. Caught between monarchical authority, church influence, and liberal reform, a political conflict unfolds.
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05. Power to the People?
The Uprising and Its Limits:
Cries for freedom and social tensions lead to protests in Ettelbruck, the capital, and beyond. But how much power does the street really have?
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06. Who May Vote – and for Whom?
Power Struggles in 1848:
Who gets to vote sparks fierce debate. Liberals, Catholics, and workers demand a voice. Pamphlets and papers fuel the struggle. Reforms follow – but voting remains a privilege. Equality? Still out of reach.
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07. Unity or Independence?
Luxembourg’s Position on the German Confederation in 1848:
Luxembourg’s deputies keep their distance in Frankfurt’s Paulskirche. The imperial constitution is passed, but the Prussian king refuses the crown. The dream of a unified Reich fails – Luxembourg remains independent.
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08. New Wind?
The Liberal Parliament 1848-1850:
A new constitution, an elected parliament, more rights – yet many remain excluded. Liberals push for influence, while the king clings to old elites. Reform meets resistance: a difficult new beginning.
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09. Progress or Regression?
The Constitutions from 1841 to 2023:
From the imposed charter of 1841 to the 2023 reform, Luxembourg’s constitutions reflect power struggles and compromise. 1848 brings freedom, 1856 rolls it back. 2023 promises more participation – but democracy remains a matter of negotiation.
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10. The Men Who Shape Luxembourg’s Future
In 1848, 74 men – lawyers, officials, landowners – draft Luxembourg’s constitution. Elected by just 0.2% of the population, a small elite shapes the future behind closed doors. Even today, the question remains: how inclusive is democracy?
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