07. Unity or Independence? Luxembourg’s Position on the German Confederation in 1848
1848: Revolution in Luxembourg - An Exhibition by the National Archives and the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg
No Voice in the Frankfurt Pre-Parliament (31.03.1848) by Jean Ventadour / Ed. Gust. MayChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
The Frankfurt Pre-Parliament: From March 31 to April 3, 1848, 574 men in Frankfurt’s Paulskirche prepare the election for the National Assembly. The torchlight procession in Frankfurt reflects enthusiasm for the Pre-parliament.
Luxembourg does not send deputies. Unlike other German states, it holds a unique political status. While part of the German Confederation, it is ruled in personal union by King William II of the Netherlands.
In March 1848, German artist Philipp Veit is commissioned to create a banner for St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt. His depiction of Germania becomes an allegory of Germany’s hoped-for unity and freedom – a symbol of revolution and national awakening.
Since the Hambach Festival of 1832, black-red-gold represents freedom, civil rights, and unity. Until 1848, the colours are banned – but with the March Revolution, the tricolour is officially recognised in the German states.
Showing the Flag – But for What?
Luxembourg follows the changes in the German states. Along with the announcement of the Constituent Assembly, the government hoists the black-red-gold flag beside the Luxembourg colours – a strong but controversial statement.
Frankfurt Calls – Luxembourg Hesitates
As a member of the German Confederation, Luxembourg must send deputies to Frankfurt. The Constituent Assembly rejects a nation-state under Prussian leadership. Luxembourg’s deputies are elected in a two-stage process – the first round occurs without a census requirement.
Speaking to the Electorate
Candidates use newspapers and pamphlets. In Luxembourg, the Catholic faction and Charles André form a People’s Party and perform well in the capital during the first round of voting for the Frankfurt National Assembly.
The Old Order's End?
Charles André attacks the pro-government Friends of Order party as a dying bureaucracy party. The census-free vote mobilises few voters, leading to a nationwide defeat of pro-government candidates in the first round.
In the second round, the two anti-clerical liberal factions unite, allowing the liberals to surpass the Catholic party. Jean-Jacques Willmar, Emmanuel Servais, and Charles Munchen emerge victorious.
Jean-Jacques Willmar
Luxembourg’s Attorney General seeks to secure Luxembourg’s independence. He remains unaffiliated but mostly votes with the right-center. He is the first of the three Luxembourg deputies to leave St. Paul's Church in early 1849.
Emmanuel Servais
The jurist and future head of government is aligned with the Casino faction, which supports a constitutional monarchy under Prussian leadership. He strategically defends Luxembourg’s independence and withdraws early from negotiations.
François-Charles Munchen
The freemason and former member of a Burschenschaft (student fraternity), is the only Luxembourger to join the Casino faction. He supports German unification as long as Luxembourg remains independent but withdraws in 1849.
The Greater German solution (Mai 1848) by UnknownChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Liberty, Luxembourg-Style
Pamphlets praise loyalty to the king grand-duke and freedom, advocating for Luxembourg’s particularism. But in May 1848, this is challenged: In the Frankfurt Assembly, supporters of a strong German state clash with those favouring a loose federation.
Session of the German National Assembly in June 1848 (1848) by Ludwig von ElliottChambre des Députés, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg
Withdrawing to Preserve Independence
The Luxembourg deputies avoid the Frankfurt debates, defending national autonomy. On May 27, 1848, they abstain from the vote on the primacy of the imperial constitution—declaring they cannot continue under such conditions.
On December 27, 1848, the basic rights of the German people are proclaimed as imperial law. Incorporated into the Frankfurt Constitution on March 28, 1849, they apply to Luxembourg as well—until repealed by the Bundestag in 1851.
In March 1849, Luxembourg’s three deputies vote in favor of the Imperial Constitution—aligned with the pro-Prussian Casino faction, yet against their own convictions. They support the compromise: universal suffrage tied to a Prussian hereditary monarchy.
An Uncompromising Rejection
In 1849, Prussian king Frederick William IV refuses the imperial crown, preventing German unification. Nolens volens, he strengthens Luxembourg’s particularism: The Grand Duchy remains independent and avoids incorporation into a German nation-state.
In 1848, Luxembourg stood between German unity and national independence. Its cautious deputies reflected a country torn between external ties and internal sovereignty. The question of Luxembourg’s role in Europe remains relevant—albeit in a new context.
This is how it continues: 08. New Wind? The Liberal Parliament 1848-1850
Click here to access the overview of the 10 stories from the exhibition “1848: Revolution in Luxembourg”.
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