1848

[Didz]

@ Franconicus

I don't think you can blame it on Napoleon Bonaparte, after all he didn't start the French Revolution he only explioted it. However, I think the rest of your arguement is a pretty good summary of the changes wrought by the events in France and the political upheaval caused by the wars that followed.

The young recruits that fought at Waterloo would have been mature men by 1848 and would have passed on their attitudes to their children. There must also have been a feeling of 'what did we fight for?' amongst many veterans who saw no benefits from their sacrifice. All it then needed as a spark to relight the fires of nationalism.