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Hungary, having been ruled by the Habsburgs since the 16th century, was often subjugated and treated much likea colony. (There had beeen exceptions..) In an attempt to regain itsfreedom as a self-governing country, in 1848, encouraged perhaps by the revolts in Paris, Milano, Vienna, Hungarian lawmakers and broad sections ofthe populace asked Ferdinand V (Habsburg monarch) to grant specific freedomsfor their country. At first acceeded, later rejected, the country rebelled against absolutism, as the ruling Habsburg monarchy sought to deprive it of democratic institutions and in effect annex the country into the Austrian empire. Hungarians demanded instead preservation of their institutions, freedom of expression and the levelling of classes: rescind the nobility's tax exemption and- in effect- create a universal citizenship by abolishing serfdom. The throne had in the interim passed to a very young Franz Joseph, reputedly strongly influenced by his mother Sophie.When these demands were refused. the country took to arms. When Austria refused to accede, Hungary declared itself a republic and elected Lajos Kossuth (pronounced Lawyosh Koshoot) governor.

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"Battle flag from the Hungarian Liberation Fight of 1848.With bear-claws of the Hungarian tricolor (red-white-green) around the perimeter, it has the 'Kossuth Coat of Arms' in the center with clusters. Inscription : 85th Honvéd Battalion. The day of June 1 1949 Long live the freedom of the independent Hungarian Fatherland.

The ensuing war, which has become known as The Hungarian Liberation Fight of 1848, seemed to be successful until the young Emperor asked for (and received) massive help from Russia,where the Tsar feared the spread of democracy and a Polish revolt. In mid-1849, overwhelmed, the Hungarian armies were crushed and repression followed. Kossuth went into exile in Turkey with a number of his followers,but the Western world took notice of the heroic struggle and Kossuth, his cause, became the symbol of freedom especially in Britain and the USA. While Austria and Russia demanded his extradition, the Sultan was persuaded by the Western powers to refuse. Kossuth did not give up, but planned to force Austria to respect Hungarian independence. He travelled in the West and tried to exert pressure via other countries, e.g. France. Though neither the 1848 revolt, nor the planned Western alliances brought success, the cause eventually prevailed:
In 1867 - after negotiations and compromises - many of the 1848-49 objectives were realized, as the Kingdom of Hungary, became a partner in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Kossuth died in Italy. His remains were later repatriated in an impressive mausoleum in Budapest (1905).

Click here for more historic information on the Hungarian Liberation Fight of 1848.

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