Lajos Kossuth de Udvard et Kossuthfalva, a name forever etched in the annals of Hungarian history, was a towering figure whose influence transcended borders during the 19th century. Born on September 19, 1802, and passing away on March 20, 1894, Kossuth, whose name is pronounced [ˈlɒjoʃ ˈkoʃut] in Hungarian and often anglicized as Louis Kossuth, was a man of remarkable versatility and conviction. He hailed from a humble gentry family, yet his innate intelligence and unparalleled talent for oratory propelled him to the forefront of Hungarian politics. Throughout his illustrious career, he served as a distinguished nobleman, a sharp lawyer, an influential journalist, a passionate politician, and a visionary statesman. Most notably, he ascended to the pivotal role of governor-president of the Kingdom of Hungary during the tumultuous, yet profoundly significant, revolution of 1848–49.

Kossuth’s ability to captivate audiences, whether in heated political debates or stirring public speeches, was legendary. His powerful words did not merely articulate ideas; they ignited the flames of national identity and liberty in the hearts of his countrymen. This extraordinary gift for rhetoric was the primary engine behind his meteoric rise from relative obscurity to the highest office in the land, earning him the admiration and respect of many, both at home and abroad. The influential contemporary American journalist, Horace Greeley, perfectly encapsulated Kossuth's immense stature, stating with profound conviction: "Among the orators, patriots, statesmen, exiles, he has, living or dead, no superior." This sentiment was widely shared, even touching the esteemed American orator Daniel Webster, who was so profoundly moved by Kossuth's powerful English and American speeches that he felt compelled to dedicate a book to Kossuth’s remarkable life story.

Throughout his lifetime, Lajos Kossuth was celebrated across continents as a valiant freedom fighter and a leading proponent of democracy in Europe. His legacy resonated particularly strongly in Great Britain and the United States, nations that admired his struggle for self-determination. A testament to his enduring impact can be found in the United States Capitol, where a bronze bust of Kossuth proudly stands, bearing the inscription: "Father of Hungarian Democracy, Hungarian Statesman, Freedom Fighter, 1848–1849." This honor underscores the profound respect and admiration he garnered on the international stage for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and national sovereignty.

The Hungarian Declaration of Independence: A Defining Moment

The Hungarian Revolution of 1848 was a pivotal period in the nation's history, marked by a fervent desire for greater autonomy and liberty from Habsburg rule. At the heart of this struggle lay the Hungarian Declaration of Independence, a revolutionary document that formally declared Hungary’s separation from the Habsburg monarchy. This momentous declaration was brought before the National Assembly by Lajos Kossuth himself. It was first presented during a closed session on April 13, 1849, setting the stage for one of Hungary's most significant legislative acts. The following day, April 14, 1849, the declaration was brought before an open session of the assembly. Despite some political opposition from within the Hungarian Peace Party, the sheer force of its message and the collective will of the nation proved irresistible, leading to its unanimous passage the very next day.

Kossuth’s role in this historic act was central; he personally issued the declaration from the hallowed grounds of the Protestant Great Church of Debrecen, a location that lent significant symbolic weight to the proclamation. The language of the declaration was unflinching and direct, accusing the House of Lorraine-Habsburg of egregious crimes and chronic perfidy. It unequivocally stated:

The House of Lorraine-Habsburg is unexampled in the compass of its perjuries [...] Its determination to extinguish the independence 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".

These powerful words encapsulated the depth of Hungarian grievances and served as a stark indictment of the Habsburgs' reign, laying the moral and political groundwork for Hungary's assertion of independent nationhood.

Kossuth's Plea for International Recognition in America

Following the events of the Hungarian Revolution, Lajos Kossuth embarked on a significant international tour, notably visiting the United States, to garner support for the cause of Hungarian independence. During a memorable banquet speech delivered before the Corporation of New York, he passionately articulated his vision and sought America’s formal recognition of Hungary’s newly declared sovereignty. With earnest sincerity, Kossuth implored the American audience, stating:

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.

Through this appeal, Kossuth underscored not only the legislative consensus behind the Hungarian Declaration of Independence but also its widespread popular support, emphasizing that it was an expression of the will of the entire Hungarian nation, deeply rooted in its fundamental laws and societal acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Lajos Kossuth?

Lajos Kossuth was a prominent Hungarian nobleman, lawyer, journalist, politician, and statesman, best known for serving as the governor-president of the Kingdom of Hungary during the revolutionary period of 1848–49. He rose to prominence from a poor gentry background largely due to his exceptional oratorical skills.

What was his role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-49?

During the Hungarian Revolution of 1848–49, Lajos Kossuth was the leading figure, eventually becoming the governor-president. He played a crucial role in drafting and issuing the Hungarian Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed Hungary's separation from the Habsburg monarchy.

Why was he considered a "freedom fighter" and "bellwether of democracy"?

Kossuth was widely revered as a freedom fighter because he championed Hungary's struggle for independence and self-determination against foreign rule. His advocacy for democratic principles and national sovereignty positioned him as a bellwether, or leader, for the cause of democracy in 19th-century Europe, earning him acclaim in countries like Great Britain and the United States.

What was the Hungarian Declaration of Independence?

The Hungarian Declaration of Independence was a pivotal document issued during the 1848 Hungarian Revolution that declared the independence of Hungary from the ruling Habsburg monarchy. It outlined the grievances against the Habsburgs and asserted Hungary's right to self-governance.

When and where was the Declaration issued?

The Declaration was presented to the National Assembly in closed session on April 13, 1849, and in open session on April 14, 1849. Lajos Kossuth formally issued the declaration himself from the historic Protestant Great Church of Debrecen.

What were the main accusations made against the Habsburgs in the Declaration?

The Declaration accused the House of Lorraine-Habsburg of extensive "perjuries" and a "succession of criminal acts," including robbery, destruction by fire, murder, and maiming. It concluded by asserting that the House of Habsburg had "forfeited the throne" of Hungary due to these actions.

What was the purpose of Kossuth's visit to the United States?

During his visit to the United States, Lajos Kossuth aimed to secure formal recognition of Hungarian independence by the American government. He emphasized that the declaration had been unanimously voted on by the Hungarian Congress and supported by every county and municipality, showcasing broad national consensus.