The events ofMarch 13, 1848

The “Address to theThrone” was translated into German and widely distributed inVienna. It created demonstrations, arson, and bloody encounterswith the army. The emperor responded by dismissing famedchancellor Metternich*, minister of police and chancellor ofHungary.
Other cities: Berlin, Milan, Prague, also experienced revolts. Itmay have helped trigger the demonstrations in Pest, Hungary’slargest city.

* : Prince Clemens Wenzel LotharMetternich-Winneburg, famed Austrian chancellor, was one ofEurope’s most noted diplomats in the waning years of theNapoleonic empire. Remembered as the organizer and host of theCongress of Vienna (1814-15), he presided over the rearrangementof Central and Eastern Europe after Napoleon’s banishment. Hisdismissal therefore was significant.

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