The revolutions failed primarily due to a lack of unity among the revolutionaries.

Liberals and radicals/socialists often had conflicting goals, particularly on economic issues.

Nationalist groups within multi-ethnic empires fought against each other as much as they fought against the ruling regime.

The conservative ruling classes, including the aristocracy and the military, generally remained loyal to the existing monarchs.

The peasant populations, who formed the majority in most countries, were often more traditional and did not provide widespread support for the urban-led revolutions.

Despite their immediate failure, the revolutions had significant long-term consequences.

The abolition of serfdom in the Austrian Empire and the German states was a major and lasting reform.

The revolutions set the political agenda for the next several decades, making the unification of Italy and Germany seem inevitable.

The failure of liberal methods in 1848 led to the rise of a more pragmatic and power-focused political style known as 'Realpolitik.'

1848 is often called the 'turning point at which history failed to turn,' as the old order was restored, but the ideas of the revolution endured.