The Revolutions of 1848 were a series of republican revolts against European monarchies. They began in Sicily and swept across large parts of Europe, spreading to France, Germany, Italy, and the Austrian Empire. They brought some partial and temporary successes, including the establishment of republics and universal manhood suffrage. Nevertheless, all revolutions eventually ended in failure and repression, and the fruits were lost. Armies, remaining loyal to their respective governments throughout, started restoring pre-revolutionary order even before revolutions ended. Liberal democratic and nationalist concessions made during the revolution were immediately withdrawn, including universal manhood suffrage and liberty of the press and of assembly. Absolute monarchy was reestablished in Germany, Austria, and Italy. Government, clergy, and middle class formed allies against socialist proposals. Governments strengthened the police forces and organized a persecution of the popular press and associations that paralyzed political life.  

The failure of the Revolutions of 1848 resulted in widespread disillusionment among liberals, including J. S. Mill. He expressed deep pessimism about the ensuing reaction as well as Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte’s usurpation in 1851, lamenting that the hope of freedom and social improvement in the Continent were gone. Meanwhile, while many of his early opinions gained recognition in England, the changes they effected were limited. The situations in both England and the Continent contributed to Mill’s despondent outlook at the time.

Sources:

“Revolutions of 1848”. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Revolutions-of-1848

Mill, John Stuart. Autobiography.