Hungary declares itself independent of Austria with Lajos Kossuth as its leader.

The Hungarian Declaration of Independence: A Momentous Proclamation

In the tumultuous spring of 1849, amidst the fervor and strife of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, a pivotal document emerged that forever altered the course of Hungarian history: the Hungarian Declaration of Independence. This bold proclamation, asserting Hungary's sovereignty and severing its ties with the venerable, yet increasingly authoritarian, Habsburg Monarchy, marked a radical and decisive step in the nation's struggle for self-determination.

The Road to Independence

The year 1848 had ignited a series of revolutions across Europe, fueled by liberal and nationalist aspirations. In the Kingdom of Hungary, part of the multi-ethnic Habsburg Empire, these sentiments manifested in demands for greater autonomy, parliamentary reform, and an end to feudal obligations. Initially, the Hungarian government, led by figures like Lajos Kossuth, sought constitutional reforms within the framework of the Habsburg Empire. However, as the Habsburg imperial forces, often aided by non-Hungarian loyalist populations within the Kingdom, intensified their military campaign against the revolutionary government, the possibility of reconciliation dwindled. The conflict escalated, pushing Hungary toward the ultimate act of defiance: a complete break from Vienna.

The Act of Defiance

The stage for this historic declaration was set in Debrecen, a significant cultural and religious center in eastern Hungary, which had become the provisional capital after Budapest fell under imperial control. It was here, on April 13, 1849, that the charismatic leader Lajos Kossuth, the driving force behind the revolution, presented the Declaration of Independence to the National Assembly in a closed session. Despite initial political opposition from within the "Hungarian Peace Party"—a faction that still hoped for a negotiated settlement with the Habsburgs—Kossuth pressed forward. The following day, April 14, the declaration was presented in open session, and remarkably, passed unanimously by the National Assembly on April 15, signifying a powerful, unified resolve for independence. The declaration itself was issued by Kossuth from the historic Protestant Great Church of Debrecen (Debreceni Nagytemplom), a symbolic gesture emphasizing the national and spiritual significance of the moment.

Accusations Against the Habsburgs

The declaration was not merely a statement of independence; it was also a scathing indictment of the Habsburg dynasty, particularly the House of Lorraine-Habsburg. Kossuth's words were sharp and unyielding, accusing the ruling family of profound betrayal and egregious crimes against the Hungarian nation. The declaration eloquently captured the revolutionary sentiment and the deep-seated grievances that had fueled the uprising, listing a catalogue of abuses that justified their secession. It stated:

The House of Lorraine-Habsburg is unexampled in the compass of its perjuries [...] Its determination to extinguish the independents of Hungary has been accompanied by a succession of criminal acts, comprising robbery, destruction of property by fire, murder, maiming [...] Humanity will shudder when reading this disgraceful page of history. [...] "The house of Habsburg has forfeited the throne".

This powerful rhetoric reflected the widespread belief that the Habsburgs had repeatedly violated their oaths and the ancient constitutional rights of Hungary, culminating in brutal military suppression and a systematic effort to dismantle Hungarian autonomy. For Kossuth and the revolutionaries, the dynasty had forfeited its legitimacy to rule.

Lajos Kossuth: Architect of Hungarian Freedom

A Life Dedicated to Liberty

Lajos Kossuth de Udvard et Kossuthfalva, often anglicised as Louis Kossuth, (pronounced [lɒjoʃ ˈkoʃut]; 19 September 1802 – 20 March 1894) was a towering figure in 19th-century European politics. A Hungarian nobleman, lawyer, journalist, politician, and statesman, he rose to become the governor-president of the Kingdom of Hungary during the pivotal revolution of 1848–49. Born into a relatively humble gentry family, Kossuth's extraordinary talent for oratory, both in political debates and public speeches, propelled him from obscurity to the highest office in revolutionary Hungary. His ability to articulate the national aspirations and galvanize public opinion was unparalleled. The influential contemporary American journalist Horace Greeley, recognizing Kossuth's profound impact, once declared: "Among the orators, patriots, statesmen, exiles, he has, living or dead, no superior."

International Advocacy and Recognition

Following the suppression of the Hungarian Revolution by combined Austrian and Russian forces, Kossuth was forced into exile, yet his fight for Hungarian liberty continued on the international stage. During a significant visit to the United States, he tirelessly advocated for his homeland's cause. In a memorable banquet speech before the Corporation of New York, Kossuth implored the United States to formally recognize Hungarian independence, underscoring the popular mandate behind the declaration:

The third object of my humble wishes, gentlemen, is the recognition of the independence of Hungary. [...] our Declaration of Independence was not only voted unanimously in our Congress, but every county, every municipality, has solemnly declared its consent and adherence to it; so it became not the supposed, but by the whole realm positively, and sanctioned by the fundamental laws of Hungary.

Kossuth's powerful English and American speeches deeply resonated with many, including the renowned American orator Daniel Webster. So profoundly impressed and touched was Webster by Kossuth's impassioned pleas and life story, that he dedicated writings to Kossuth's life and cause, further amplifying the Hungarian cause in America. Throughout his lifetime, Kossuth was widely honored, both in Great Britain and the United States, as a courageous freedom fighter and a pioneering advocate for democracy in Europe. Today, his enduring legacy is commemorated with a bronze bust in the United States Capitol, bearing the fitting inscription: "Father of Hungarian Democracy, Hungarian Statesman, Freedom Fighter, 1848–1849."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the primary purpose of the Hungarian Declaration of Independence?
The primary purpose was to formally declare Hungary's complete independence from the Habsburg Monarchy, asserting its sovereignty and denouncing the Habsburgs' rule as illegitimate, following the escalation of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848–49.
Who was Lajos Kossuth?
Lajos Kossuth was a Hungarian nobleman, lawyer, journalist, and politician who became the governor-president of the Kingdom of Hungary during the revolution of 1848–49. He was the principal leader and orator of the Hungarian nationalist movement, advocating for a free and independent Hungary.
When and where was the Declaration of Independence issued?
The declaration was presented to the National Assembly in Debrecen on April 13, 1849, passed on April 15, 1849, and then publicly issued by Lajos Kossuth from the Protestant Great Church of Debrecen.
Why was the declaration made in Debrecen and not Budapest?
Debrecen served as the provisional capital for the revolutionary government because Budapest had come under the control or threat of Habsburg imperial forces, making Debrecen a safer and more strategic location for the National Assembly to convene.
What were the main accusations made against the Habsburgs in the declaration?
The declaration accused the Habsburg House of Lorraine-Habsburg of numerous "perjuries" and "criminal acts," including robbery, destruction of property, murder, and maiming, citing their actions in suppressing the revolution as a forfeiture of their right to rule Hungary.
How was Lajos Kossuth recognized internationally?
Lajos Kossuth gained significant international recognition as a freedom fighter and a symbol of democracy, particularly in Great Britain and the United States. He toured extensively, urging foreign governments to recognize Hungarian independence, and was praised by figures like Horace Greeley and Daniel Webster. A bust of him is located in the U.S. Capitol.