CHAPTER XXII.
1848 IN EUROPE--CRIMEAN WAR.
The Revolution of 1831 was only the mild precursor of the one which shook Europe to its foundations in 1848.

It had centers wherever there were patriots and aching hearts.

In Paris, Louis Philippe had fled at the sound of the word Republic, and when in Paris workmen were waving the national banner of Poland, with awakened hope, even that land was quivering with excitement.

In Vienna the Emperor Ferdinand, unable to meet the storm, abdicated in favor of his young nephew, Francis Joseph.
Hungary, obedient to the voice of her great patriot, Louis Kossuth, in April, 1849, declared itself free and independent.

It was the Hungarians who had offered the most encouragement and sympathy to the Poles in 1831; so Nicholas determined to make them feel the weight of his hand.