In 1848, there were revolutions all over Europe against monarchies and things like monarchies. They mostly failed and sometimes led to some change and loosening and sometimes led to tightening.

My immigrant relatives almost all came over from Europe in the 1840's.

Inference: The economy in Europe in the 1840's was shot.

Leave or revolt. Or be a descendent of the leavers and try to work for profound change here.