Hungarian Revolution 1848

In 1848 Hungary under Lajos Kossuth won autonomy from Vienna, then fought a year-long war of independence crushed by Austrian and Russian arms.

Overview

The April Laws of 1848 enacted by the Hungarian diet abolished serfdom and feudal privilege, established a responsible ministry, and asserted control over finance and defense. Conflict with Vienna over the army, and disputes with Croatia, Serbia, and Romania over language and rights, widened into war once the Austrian court recovered. Under Artur Gorgei the Hungarian armies fought a remarkable campaign in 1849, and Hungary dethroned the Habsburgs in April. Nicholas I then sent a Russian army of some two hundred thousand men. The surrender at Vilagos in August 1849 was followed by bloody reprisals, including the execution of thirteen officers at Arad and the prime minister Batthyany. The struggle became a foundation stone of Hungarian national identity.