History of Hungary

In the 14^th century, Hungary became an important market in European trade. At the same time, it was one of the most stable countries in Europe, because the traditional feudal rifts did not lead the country to disintegration of its territory. All dynasties that ruled Hungary strove to preserve the primus inter pares situation.

The Mongolian invasion from 1241-1242 was the first serious destruction for Hungary. The sound growth stimulated by the rebuilding of the country after the Mongol invasion came to an end by the advance of the Ottoman Turks into Europe. From the 15^th century onwards, they were a threat to Hungary, which continued to fight battles with the Turks. At the Battle of Mohács in 1526, the independent Hungarian State was destroyed and the royal seat of Buda fell in 1541. The country was divided into three parts, namely, the Territory under Habsburg rule, the part conquered by the Turks and the Princedom of Transylvania. The 150 years of Turkish occupation strongly restricted the country's development and caused severe loss of both material goods and human life.

After the Turks were forced out in 1686, Hungary came under Habsburg rule. As a result, there was neither the royal court nor the central administration for several hundred years. Foreigners were moved into the country to control the decreasing population, which disrupted the previous ethnic unity of the country. The uprising of Ferenc Rákóczi against Habsburg rule (1703-1711) was the first attempt to win back the country's independence since the expulsion of the Turks.

The revolution of March 15, 1848 was a landmark in the history of revolutions in Europe. Due to incessant pressure of the masses, the Hungarian Diet accepted most of the revolutionaries' demands. In September 1848, the imperial Austrian government launched an armed attack on Hungary to crush the revolution and do away with its achievements. The independent Hungarian army succeeded in holding off the attack but surrendered when the Austrians sought help from the imperial Russian troops. A Compromise followed in 1867 as a result of which the legislation and government of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy were separated. Only the ministries of foreign affairs, defense and finance were run jointly. A capitalist economic structure developed in Hungary with significant investment in foreign capital though indicants of feudalism were still present.

The first free elections were held immediately after the war in 1945. Six parties having the approval of the Allied Control Commission participated in the elections. By 1947, there were only two parties left to oppose the Communists who were enjoying support from Moscow. Under the leadership of Mátyás Rákosi (1949-1956), a Soviet-type Constitution was passed by the Parliament and a one-party system came into being. On October 23, 1956, a popular uprising broke out against the hated leadership and regime, which gradually turned into a revolution. It was crushed by Soviet troops. In 1958, Imre Nagy, the leader of the 1956 revolutionary government, and several of his associates were executed. The dictatorship was restored with Soviet support and hundreds fell victim to retaliations.