Why did revolutionary situations develop in Prussia and France in 1848?

        The revolutions of 1848 in France and Prussia came about due to similar political, economic and social factors. However the nature and reason behind them differed in one particular area. Whilst Prussia was suffering an economic slump and several poor harvests the impetus for revolution came form a desire for universal political freedom, along the same lines and scale as the French revolution of 1789, and crucially the wish to solve the question of a unified Germany. …

…such as the affect of the enlightenment, and desire for more political freedom. Crucial to the understanding of the argument however is this. In France the cause of the revolution was the desire for a different style of government and more economic stability. In Prussia, the desire for economic liberty was also important, but played second fiddle for the desire for political unity within Germany and a desire for a more active role in politics.