The moderate liberals of Western Europe made two important discoveries: that revolution was dangerous and that to achieve some of their demands, they could do without it. The bourgeoisie thus ceased to be a revolutionary force. The revolution was defeated throughout Europe: the popular and revolutionary wing was silenced. At the same time, the more reactionary “black” wing was excluded from the decision-making process (blacks or pigtails convinced that liberalism and democracy had led the country to ruin). Thus, the moderate bourgeois element seized power.
