The consequences emerged in the revolutionary year 1848 in a general manifestation of public discontent; and Frederick William, who had become Elector on his father's death (20 November 1847), was forced to dismiss his reactionary ministry and to agree to a comprehensive programme of democratic reform.
Tagajärjed tekkisid revolutsioonilisel 1848. aastal avaliku rahulolematuse üldise ilminguna; ja Friedrich Wilhelm, kes oli saanud kuurvürstiks seoses oma isa surmaga (20. novembril 1847), oli sunnitud tagandama oma tagurliku ministri ja nõustuma demokraatlike reformide tervikliku programmiga.