In 1848, a series of political revolutions swept across Europe, known as the Revolutions of 1848. These uprisings were driven by demands for more democratic governance, national independence, and social reforms. Countries like France, Germany, and Italy experienced significant unrest as citizens protested against oppressive regimes and sought greater rights. The year also marked the publication of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, which called for the working class to rise against capitalist systems. Although many of the revolutions ultimately failed, they laid the groundwork for future political changes and movements throughout Europe.