The emperor Franz Joseph, encouraged by Windischgraetz's optimistic assessments after the battle at Kápolna, promulgates the March Constitution. From his ensconcement in Olmütz, rearranges the hierarchies of government, relations with the Reichstag and prerogatives of jurisdictions.(March 4) Of significance to the Hungarians were paragraphs 71-75, which sought to detach significant parts of the Kingdom, including Croatia-Slavonia, Transylvania, Adriatic litoral, Vojvodina and the military border.
The "Hungarian Constitution" to remain in effect but "only where not in conflict with the March Constitution." But, in effect, Hungary was to be merely a province of the Monarchy, which was to be "one and indivisible" (i.e. tied to Austria). The ministers to be responsible only to the emperor, provincial authority severely curtailed, though some new delegation of prerogatives to the municipalities. The net effect was renewed Hungarian determination to resist: even the Reichstag demurred. While the "nationalities (were) to be considered equal", no provisions for real autonomy envisaged. The March constitution never did take effect.

Siege of Komárom (March 31)

Sally from Komárom (Feb.24)

While much of the military activity had moved to the East of Hungary, the December-January Windischgraetz advance omitted to conquer certain Hungarian strongholds, foremost of which was Komárom on the Danube -about halfway between Buda-Pest and Vienna. Repeated Austrian attempts to take the city and fort have failed, including a March 31 siege, while the Hungarian garrison had used the fort as a base to harass the Austrian supply lines.

A parliamentary meeting in Debrecen favors making Görgey supreme commander (March 8), but Kossuth moves to appoint Gen. Antal Vetter instead to take charge of all forces outside of Transylvania.
Previously, Kossuth had sought to arrest Görgey for insubordination, however, events had overtaken such a move. The military strongly supported Görgey, considering him a military genius, while deploring Dembinski.
The Vetter appointment finally prevailed, dissension abated. Görgey had been appointed to head the combined st, 3rd and 7th army corps, all based at Tiszafüred.

Many of Dembinski's senior officers, resenting the Kápolna defeat, urge his removal. Görgey, in a ticklish position, passed on to Minister Szemere the seriousness of this move..
Kossuth at first suspected Görgey of mutiny, but this turned out to be groundless. Though Kossuth tried to restore Dembinski, this was unsuccessful and Dembinski was stripped of his command by the Defense Committee, which, with Kossuth's concurrence, named Görgey area commander. (March 5)
The 3rd and 5th army corps, under Damjanich and Vécsey, respectively overrun the Austrian positions at Szolnok and occupy the city.

Bem at Nagyszeben (on white horse)

Following Bem victories (e.g. Nagyszeben, Transylvania- March 11), Gen. Puchner's units retreat into Romania through the Tomosi pass. Leaving with Puchner's Austrians and Saxons was a contingent of Russian troops, thought by Kossuth to be Romanians in Russian uniforms. With the exception of Gyulafehérvár and Déva, held by Rumanian insurgents, Transylvania is under Hungarian control. (March 20-30)

General Mór Perczel moves from Szeged with his 4th army corps for his South Hungary campaign. Relieves the beleaguered Hungarian garrison at Pétervárad (part of Újvidék, Novi Sad, Serbia today). General Vetter resigns his post , citing his failing health. Kossuth names Görgey acting supreme commander.
The Slovak national council appeals to Franz Joseph for establishment of a Slovak Province.

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