48/49 - Revolution in Baden

The story we were once meant to forget.

In September 1847, the people gathered at the “Salmen” inn in Offenburg and put forward 13 demands: freedom of the press, trial by jury, fair taxation and a parliament representing the people. What began as a protest became the revolution in Baden. In April 1848, Friedrich Hecker set out from Konstanz with a volunteer militia, in September Gustav Struve proclaimed the republic in Lörrach, and in May 1849 the Baden army went over to the people. Grand Duke Leopold fled and a provisional government took control of the country. Only Prussian troops brought the Baden Revolution to an end: on 23 July 1849, the fortress of Rastatt surrendered.