Opinion | The forgotten Hungarian Revolution
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Loading... - Sylvie Payet
- 13 Mar 2023
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Hungary has a rich history of pursuing freedom and embracing liberty.
The desire for freedom and liberty is universal, but achieving it can take the effort of a lifetime.
On March 15, 1848 – 175 years ago – Hungary revolted against the constraints imposed by both its Austrian masters and the authoritarianism of its ruling class.
As a former Warsaw Pact country, little is known about the history of democratic institutions in Hungary. And it would be easy to conclude that the country’s experience with self-determination and independent government is recent.
To the contrary, Hungary has a rich history of pursuing freedom and embracing liberty. The Hungarian Revolution of 1848 was the culmination of a nation state seeking to chart its own course with a separate identity and elected government.
After the defeat of Napoleon and the beginning of temporary peace and stability in Europe, the world economy flourished with open trade creating new opportunities for a middle class. But with economic growth and improved living conditions, people yearned for greater autonomy in living their lives and conducting their affairs.
Hungary, like many countries, had a ruling class that felt no desire for change and possessed no appetite for reforms that would undermine its power. Since the aristocracy paid no taxes and had almost total control over the government, there was no incentive for any change. But, like most governing elites, they failed to see that expanding the freedoms of the people would have provided more stability and ultimately increased both their wealth and influence. By holding on to power, the aristocracy fumbled, and their stature decreased when the revolution came to Hungary.
The seeds of revolution started in France when its government banned conventions of opposing political parties and used force to suppress political speech. This led to mass demonstrations resulting in the end of the constitutional monarchy. As other countries heard this news, many were inspired to attempt the same thing. Read More…
