#alois ii

[dreamconsumer]

Alois II and Franziska of Liechtenstein with daughters Maria Franziska, Sophie and Karoline. By Kriehuber.

[fyliechtenstein]

The Spring of Nations and Its Aftermath

From Pierre Raton's Liechtenstein: History and Institutions of the Principality

In 1848, revolution swept through Europe. Even Liechtenstein was not spared, although matters did not become as serious as in France and Austria. The people demanded more rights and in particular the free election of their deputies instead of a selection on the basis of property. They also demanded the right of initiative in administrative and legislative matters and the right to decide on a budget. These positive demands were accompanied by demandes on the negative side: feudal privileges and duties, and of the position of the Commissioner. They also sought free hunting and fihsing rights. Prince Alois reacted as did most of the rulers of the time. Under the pressure of events he gave in and promised to reformt he old constitution of 1818, but he then temporized and the general development of the situation, the repression of liberal and socialist movements following the ephemeral victory of the revolutionary movement, proved fatal to the existence of the Constitutional Committee authorized by the Prince. To avoid political unrest and to distract the people's minds from ideas which he considered subversive and prejudicial to his authority, the Prince sought to develop the country's economic capacities by launching a vast programme of public works and by a customs treaty with Austria which put an end to Liechtenstein's isolation. The river bank was fortified and dams were built. Swamps were drained, especially in the Lowlands. The soil was greatly improved and many acres of good farm land reclaimed. As international traffic became more and more important, roads were improved and the Highlands and the Lowlands were connected by a straight road from Schann via Bendern to Ruggell. On the social side, Princess Franziska started a fund to help the poor and planned an orphanage. A national anthem was introduced in 1850. Words beginning: "Oben am deutschen Rhein" (Above the German Rhine), since changed to "Oben am jungen Rhein" (On the Banks of the Upper Rhine) are sung to the tune of "God Save The Queen". Prince Alois died on November 10, 1858, and was succeeded by Johann Ii, nicknamed Johann The Good, who reigned until 1929, one of the longest reigns in history.