The Hungarian Reform Era was a period of Hungarian history that led to the independence of Hungary after 150 years of Ottoman and 300 years of Habsburg rule. Its beginning was marked by the reconvening of the Diet of Hungary of 1825 and the foundation of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.^[1] The era ended with the 1848 revolution and the ensuing Hungarian War of Independence.

Antecedents

The European revolutionary wave brought Hungary to nationalism and liberalism. Hungarians wanted to convert the feudal economy and society to a new one. The solution was brought about by the deepening crisis of the feudal system, they saw the way out of this crisis with the introduction of embourgeoisie.

In István Széchenyi's book, Credit, he raises the idea of the abolition of antiquity and the elimination of "robotic systems", because he thought that agriculture wouldn't develop and land sales wouldn't grow if they kept these restrictions because people could not get credit to their lands (the book received its name from that).

The Reform Diets

1825–27

After many years, a Diet was convened in Pozsony in 1825. The king, Francis I, a conservative absolutist monarch – reigned by intimidation, promised to return to the feudal constitution, but in exchange, the nobility had to increase the tax and rookie headcount. They had to convene the parliament/diet every 3 years and István Széchenyi offered his annual income to establish a Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

1832–36

Cholera outbreak in 1831. Serf uprising in Upper Hungary. The diet's lower house accepted the serfs voluntary redemption, but the monarch rejected that.

1839–40

The introduction of voluntary redemption (no results; the serfs didn't have enough money; only 1% of the serfs could free themselves). And the start of Jewish emancipation (the immigration of the Jews began).

1843–44

Hungarian became the official language. A protectionist tariff, Védegylet, is established (Hungarians will only buy items from Hungary for 6 years).

1847–48 (the last Estates General)

Kossuth became the emissary of Pest.

Adoption of the April Laws in March 1848 (sanctioned by the King on 11 April 1848): introduction of a new form of government (constitutional monarchy, accountable government, suffrage); declaration of civil liberties; abolition of the old, feudal social and legal system.

References