The political climate in Prague was a further source of gloom; hopes of a more enlightened government and social reform following Franz Joseph's accession in 1848 had faded as Austrian absolutism reasserted itself under Baron Alexander von Bach.
Det politiske klima i Prag gjorde ikke situationen bedre; håbet om en mere oplyst regering og sociale reformer efter Franz Josefs tiltrædelse i 1848 var falmet, eftersom den østrigske absolutisme havde fået fornyet kraft under baron Alexander von Bach.