Hungary, a country that has suffered turmoil throughout much of its long history, but at the same time managing to retain a uniqueness in identity and culture.

The people of Hungary were quick to learn and adapt from the experiences each of their oppressors, even through the harm and suffering that was suffered.

Cities were rebuilt following the Mongolian invasion, resulting in the early flowering of Renaissance cultures. Turks brought with them the refinements of a spa culture, which was subsequently developed and enjoyed. Leaving also a rich folk art embroidery. Not to mention paprika, an ingredient which was to leave its mark on Hungarian culinary art!

From the Hapsburg Empire, Hungary developed talents in the performing arts, especially music, that had a wide European audience. In turn, this gave the Hungarian People a sense of belonging, something which helped its peoples with the unhappy period of being an unwilling satellite of the Soviet Union following the second world war.

The Magyars, led by their enterprising chieftains, arrived on horseback and occupied the Carpathian basin, the heart of Europe, about 885 AD. The area had been inhabited by many tribes since pre-historic times, from Scythians, Celts, Romans and Avars to the weak and fragment Slav communities remaining at the end of the ninth century, presented little difficulty for possession by the Magyars.

Throughout the following century the Magyars raided and plundered their way through Europe, until towards the end of that period they suffered huge losses at the hands of German troops, who were well organised and trained.

Time had arrived for the Magyars to make an all important decision, to remain pagan and outside of the main European countries thus facing almost certain annihilation, or to accept Christianity and nationhood.

Christmas Day 1000 say the crowning of King Stephen, with a crown sent by the Pope. During his long reign Stephen established the Christian Hungarian State, which was to become one of the most important European powers during the middle century.

A document, compatible to the Magna Carta, came into being in 1222. This was called the Golden Bull and listed the rights of nobility, it also strengthened the citizenry, mediaeval intellectuals and clergy,

1241 saw the end of this development by the dreaded invasion of the Mongols, which left the country all most destroyed when the invaders left suddenly following the death of their leader Ghengis Khan.

Hungary had been saved, the people again began to flourish and forged important alliances throughout Europe.

Not that these were sufficient to prevent the arrival of the next invader having aspirations of territorial gain. The battle of Mohacs in 1526 saw the beginning of a 150 year struggle against occupation by the Ottoman Turks of parts of the country.

Hungary was partitioned in its weakened state. Central areas fell to the Turks, parts north and west of the Danube came under Hapsburg domination, becoming know as Royal Hungary. Transylvania remain mostly independent, but with alternate unwelcome attention from both the Turks and the Hapsburgs.

Finally the Turks were driven from Hungary with aid from the Hapsburgs, becoming a province of that Empire in 1711.

A situation which was mush resented, and one that lead eventually to the revolution of 1848, which in 1849 turned into a war of independence.

Russians, with their Austrian allies, forced the Hungarian to lay down their arms, bitter and savage reprisals followed, and again the country was dismembered.

In 1859, Austria’s defeat in Italy saw a more conciliatory attitude towards the Hungarian issue, resulting in 1867 the formation of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.

The first world war again brought devastation to Hungary. Its historic connection to Austria again putting it on the loosing side, dismembered through The Treat of Trianon two thirds of Hungary’s territory was given to neighbouring countries. Towns, villages, people, industries and natural resources were lost overnight.

Germany used Hungary’s human, food and transport resources during the second world war until 1944, when, fearing an alliance with Britain, the country was put under military rule. Thus Soviet troops fought the retreating German armies through Hungarian territory, leaving them in occupation and control.

The final subjugation had begun, one which was to last for nearly 50 years.

Those years were to include the Stalinist era between 1949 and 1956 when there was a revolution. The post revolution period lasted until 1989, when in April an agreement was signed by the Soviet Union to withdraw their armed forces by 1991. The first free parliamentary election was help I 1989.

Further information:

www.fsz.bme.hu

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History-of-Hungary

Hungarian Pulis

(c) www.puli-information.com

All rights reserved