Mi történt 1848. március 15-én?

Summary

The transcript describes the events leading up to and occurring on March 15, 1848 in Hungary, known as the Hungarian Revolution. It covers the growing reform movement in Hungary in the 1830s-1840s, the 12 points petition drafted by the opposition on March 12, 1848, and the spreading of news on March 14 of the revolutionary outbreak in Vienna. This sparked Hungarian youth and citizens to take action - on March 15 students spread the 12 points, freed journalist Mihály Táncsics from prison, and pressured theaters to perform the previously banned nationalist play Bánk Bán. The revolution soon spread nationally, the king accepted the 12 points on March 17, and Lajos Batthyány became prime minister of an independent Hungarian government on March 23.

Takeaways

• 😲 The Hungarian nobility wanted more rights and reforms within the Habsburg Empire.
• 🎓 Students and intellectuals gathered to draft a 12 point petition inspired by events in Vienna.
• 🗣 Petőfi and others rallied support for the 12 points among students around Pest.
• 📜 The 12 points called for civil and nationalist reforms in Hungary.
• 🚨 A crowd marched on the Landerer printing press to publish the 12 points.
• 👮 Táncsics was freed from jail as censorship was declared abolished.
• 🎭 There were calls for Bánk Bán to be performed at the National Theater.
• 🇭🇺 A national guard was formed as the revolution spread across Hungary.
• 👑 Ferdinand agreed to the 12 points and Batthyány became Prime Minister.
• 😊 Initially, Hungarians felt they had gained freedom from Austrian domination.

Q & A

What were the main demands made on March 15, 1848 in Hungary?

The 12 points petition demanded civil liberties like freedom of the press and abolition of censorship, equality before the law, national guard, independent Hungarian government accountable to parliament rather than the King, etc.

Who wrote the poem recited on March 15 titled National Song?

The National Song (Nemzeti dal) was written by the famous Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi on the night before the events.

How did the events start and unfold on March 15 in Pest?

A group of youth including Petőfi gathered at the Pilvax Café, Petőfi recited the National Song, then they went to the University to spread their message, gathering more people, before proclaiming the 12 points at the Museum Square.

What was the significance of the 12 point petition?

The 12 points summarized the key political demands of the reformists in Hungary. It formed a focal point around which the revolution could start by giving concrete goals.

What concessions did the King make after March 15?

King Ferdinand appointed Lajos Batthyány as Prime Minister on March 17 and agreed to set up an independent Hungarian government accountable only to the parliament.

How did the events in Vienna relate to those in Pest?

News of the successful uprising in Vienna on March 13 emboldened the Hungarian youth to organize their demonstration and force change on March 15.

What role did Sándor Petőfi play on March 15?

Petőfi was a leading figure, reciting his rousing National Song multiple times to encourage the crowds, and negotiating with the authorities as part of the delegation of youth.

How was press freedom achieved?

The crowds went to the Landerer printing press and essentially forced them to print the 12 points by threatening the owner with the mob's anger.

How were the events of March 15 consolidated over the next days?

The county administration and city council pledged support, Batthyány became Prime Minister, the King pledged to pass reform laws. A national guard helped keep order.

Did the Hungarians gain full independence from Austria at this point?

No, Hungary remained part of the Habsburg Empire though now with an independent government accountable to the Hungarian parliament rather than directly to the King.