Ostrowski, Jan K.: Cracow (Cracow [u.a.], 1992)

51. Henryk Walter, A View of the City with the Koscius^ko Mound from Bronowice,
lithograph, c. 1864-1865

Not for a moment did the citizens of Cracow accept the lot
imposed upon them. In March 1848, on the wave of the Spring-
time of the Nations, and as a direct consequence of the Vienna
revolution, a certain degree of liberalization set in. Amnesty for
political prisoners was secured, a city council and national guard
were created, and the Emperor was presented with demands
regarding democratization and the restoration of national rights
for the Poles. The Springtime of the Nations culminated in street
battles on April 25 and 26. The Austrian troops withdrew to the
Wawel, and showered the town with artillery fire. Another revival
of the patriotic movement took place in the early 1860’s, con-
currently with the uprising preparations in the Russian zone.
National mourning was proclaimed, patriotic religious services
were celebrated, and a network of secret organizations connected

82