History

Demographics

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Budapest Demographics: A Melting Pot in the Heart of Europe Population Growth and Density Budapest, Hungary’s crown jewel, stands as its most populous city and ranks among the major cities in the European Union. As of 2019, it boasted a population of approximately 1,763,913. This growth is attributed to the net inward migration surpassing the outward flow. The broader Budapest metropolitan region houses around 3.3 million individuals, which is roughly 34% of the entire Hungarian populace. In 2014, the city’s …

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Soviet Power

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From Soviet Power to Freedom Interwar Period and World War II (1920-1946) Hungary lost two-thirds of its territory and half of its population due to the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, leading to national resentment and the enactment of anti-Semitic laws. Hungary declared war on the USSR in 1941 and saw power seized by the Arrow Cross (the Hungarian Nazis) in October 1944, leading to the deportation of 700,000 Jews. The country proclaimed a republic in 1946, with Zoltan Tildy …

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World War I.

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Hungary in World War I and Its Aftermath Prelude to War (1913-1914) Istvan Tisza, a seasoned politician, led the government in 1913. In 1914, Austria-Hungary was drawn into World War I alongside Germany. World War I (1914-1918) A devastating period for Hungary; the country lost 1 million people in the fighting. Post-War Turmoil (October 1918-March 1920) After World War I, on October 31, 1918, Hungary experienced a bourgeois, democratic revolution under Mihaly Karolyi’s government. However, this was short-lived, as Bela …

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March 1848

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1848-49 Revolution and the Institution of the Dual Monarchy Prelude to Revolution (1825-1847) The meeting of the Diety in 1825-1827 marked the start of an era of reform in Hungary, with Count Istvan Szecsenyi playing an active role in modernizing the country. Hungarian was declared the official language. The third Diety in 1839 released political prisoners and granted non-nobles land ownership and administrative positions. Notable during this period was Lajos Kossuth, who was arrested by conservatives for standing for the …

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Habsburg Rule

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Habsburg Rule and the End of Turkish Occupation in Hungary Contest for the Throne (October-December 1526) The Habsburgs’ rule in Hungary began amidst a contested election for the throne. Ferdinand of Austria was elected King of Bohemia in Prague on October 22, 1526. However, the Szekesfehervar Diety elected a national king, Janos I Szapolyai, on November 11. Supported by the Turks, Janos saw his kingdom reduced to Transylvania. Finally, on December 17, Ferdinand of Austria was elected King of Hungary …

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Turkish Occupation

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Turkish Occupation and the Transformation of Hungary Reign of Charles Robert of Anjou (1308-1342) The 14th century in Hungary saw the rise of foreign kings, starting with Charles Robert of Anjou, also known as Robert Károly. His reign was characterized by his struggle against the power of the great lords, sparking conflict across the country. Ottoman Settlement and First Attacks (1357-1371) The mid-14th century saw the Ottoman Turks settle across the Bosphorus in Gallipoli and later in Adrianople. In 1371, …

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Mongols

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The Mongol Invasion and the End of the Árpád Dynasty Crusade of Andras II (1217-1218) In the early 13th century, Andras II, the King of Hungary, embarked on a crusade. This religious, military expedition, a hallmark of medieval European history, was accompanied by Minnesingers Ruethal and Tannhauser, troubadours who immortalized the event in song. The Golden Bull (1222) In 1222, the Golden Bull was issued, granting Hungarian nobility the right to oppose the king, even by force, if their privileges …

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The Clan of Árpád

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Founders of the Hungarian Nation The Clan of Árpád, named after its legendary leader Prince Árpád, played a central role in shaping the cultural, political, and religious landscape of Hungary. Known as the Árpád dynasty, this royal house established the foundation of the Hungarian state and reigned for over two centuries from 895 until 1301. Destruction of the Moravian Empire (902 AD) The Clan of Árpád marked a major victory when they destroyed the Moravian Empire of Sviatopluk and Moimir …

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Great Age of Migrations

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The Great Age of Migrations and the Making of Hungary Hungary’s history, particularly of Budapest, is intrinsically linked with the mass movements of tribes and cultures across continents—events historically known as the Great Age of Migrations. This period, spanning several centuries, saw the Hungarians move from the northern reaches of the Ural Mountains to the banks of the Middle Volga and eventually to their current homeland in Central Europe. It is a tale of conquests, alliances, and resilience, shaping the …

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History

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From the Old Stone Age to the 21st Century Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, carries a history as rich as its thermal baths and as vibrant as its lively café scene. As a city formed over millennia, it has been home to various cultures, each of which has left a lasting imprint on its architecture, customs, and the city’s soul. Let’s journey through Budapest’s history, from ancient settlements to modern times. Ancient Times Budapest’s history can be traced back …

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