In fact, though 1848 revolutions failed, the way for the future national unification of Italy and Germany was paved.
Ideologically, Europe was turned into a new page after the year 1848. The 1848 movement dispelled the romantic dreams of the rationalists. Nationalists tried to attain success by resolutions and majority votes. The year 1848 revealed them that foreign aids was necessary. Europe, from romantic in nature, turned into realistic and scientific in nature. Moreover, the liberals changed their tone. They desired revolution for achieveing liberation of indivduality and freedom of nations before 1848. Learning from 1848 movement, they were ready to receive and economic liberty and national freedom from the hands of the autocratic rulers. As stated by A.J.P. Tayor, it marked the beginning of the age of the mass. It means that no European government could afford to secure its rule unless it would attend to the well being and interests of the mass. Therefore, 1848 was only a temporary setback in the path of gaining nationalism. .
Socially, the year 1848 started the age of masses. The serfs in Austria were emancipated. Hereditary rights of landlords in administration and jurisdiction were abolished. General triumph of the bourgeoisie in Western Europe was marked.
A. Cobban describes the Second Empire of France as the Bourgeois Empire. .
Economically, Upon 1848, the Industrial Revolution was only in initial stage that many countries adopted pretective tariff. However, free trade era began after 1848. Trade treaties signed between countries. It marked the beginning and success of Free Trade Movement. Moreover, the free trade era contributed to the economic unity of German and Italian states. Zollverein, a German customs union, was a example of free trade contributed to the unification of Germany.
G.M. Trevelyan states that '1848 was the turning point at which modern history failed to turn.' because autocratic rule was re-established throughout Europe in the 1850's.