The revolution of 1848 seemed, for a moment, to fulfill all the dreams of the reformers. In France, the king abdicated. In Vienna, Metternich fled. Throughout the German states, princes granted constitutions and promised representative government.
A parliament assembled in Frankfurt — the first all-German representative body in history. Robert Blum was elected as a delegate from Leipzig. He took his seat in May 1848, committed to building a democratic, united Germany.
He spoke passionately for the rights of workers, for religious tolerance, for the abolition of privileges based on birth. He argued against those who wanted a constitutional monarchy ruled by Prussia; he wanted a republic ruled by the people.
"We cannot compromise on fundamentals," he declared. "Either the people are sovereign, or they are not. Either all are equal before the law, or none are. There is no middle ground between liberty and tyranny."
But the revolution was fragmenting. The forces of the old order were regrouping. By October, it was clear that the moment was passing.
When news came that Vienna had risen against the Habsburg authorities, Robert saw an opportunity — and a duty. The Vienna uprising, if successful, might save the entire revolution. If it failed, everything was lost.
Despite having parliamentary immunity, despite the danger, despite having a wife and children who depended on him, Robert Blum traveled to Vienna to support the revolutionaries.