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The Congress of Vienna was established to prevent future French aggression, restore a balance of power, and to restore legitimacy. Under this congress Switzerland became independent, the Kingdom of Sardinia was strengthened, and a Germanic Confederation was created.
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The Paris uprisings ignited a revolt in Belgium. Students, workers, and citizens barricaded the capital, meanwhile Britain and France backed up Belgian demands for independence. Soon after Belgium became an independent state with a liberal constitution.
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The Serbs faced a terrible struggle, even though they had support from Russia. During this time, Serbian literature and culture flourished. Gradually, Serbia gained self-rule within the Ottoman Empire.
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The blight disease invaded the potato crop, which was nearly completely destroyed. About 750,000 people died because of this famine. In addition to death, disease spread throughout Europe.
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Discontent grew when a recession hit France. Factories closed and workers lost their jobs. Food prices were increased due to the poor harvests.
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Claimed to care about social issues such as poverty to attract the working class. He used his position for a chance at greater power. Many people thought Napoleon III would restore the glory days of Napoleon Bonaparte.
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Liberals forced King Frederick William IV to accept a constitution written be an elected assembly, which was dissolved within a year. Divisions emerged on whether Germany should be a republic or monarchy. When Frederick William IV was offered the crown, he refused it saying it was "from the gutter."
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In Austria, students, workers, and middle class liberals revolted in Vienna, setting up a combined assembly. In Budapest, the Magyars led a movement of national autonomy, led by patriot Lajos Kossuth. Similarly, in Prague, the Czechs revolted in the name of self-government.
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Nationalists wanted to end Hapsburg domination and workers suffering economic hardships demanded even more radical changes. Before long, revolutions broke out. In result, the revolts were silenced by military force and restored the pope to power.
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The Civil War started because of differences between the free and slave states over the power of the national government to prohibit slavery. The event that triggered war came at Fort Sumter in Charleston Bay on April 12, 1861. Claiming this United States fort as their own, the Confederate army opened fire on the federal garrison and forced it to lower the American flag in surrender.
