During the German revolutions of 1848–1849, he became involved in controversial issues regarding the Grand Duchy's constitution. Some progress was made, but reactionaries in the nobility were able to roll back those changes so, in 1851, he was accused of disloyalty. Shortly after, he resigned all of his official positions and was dismissed without a pension. Luckily, he still had some of his inheritance and was on friendly terms with Grand Duke Frederick Francis. His work on Schwerin Castle, which had occupied him for over a decade, was completed by Friedrich August Stüler. He then focused on his political activities, travelling throughout Europe to promote the trade union movement. Upon returning to Schwerin in 1857, he was re-elected to the Citizens' Committee.