Hungary had been part of the Austrian Empire since the early part of the nineteenth century, though it had operated almost as a separate country; it’s strongest bond to the empire was a common monarch. 

The revolution in 1848 began following widespread national discontent with taxation and a desire for freedom of the press, freedom of religion and an independent parliament for Hungary. The desire for independence was also driven by other revolutions across Europe at this time. 

On March 15th 1848, the poet of the revolution, Sandor Petőfi and his fellow patriots addressed the nation from the stairs of the Hungarian National Museum, reciting the Nemzeti dal (National Song). They declared a list of demands for democratic rights, now known as the 12 Points of the Pest Revolution  – a document widely considered among the nation’s most important texts.  

The famous 12 Points called for the establishment of a Hungarian government and an end to all censorship. By the afternoon, thousands had joined in the cause and sparked the Hungarian Revolution, which later secured the nation’s independence.  

The revolution became the war for independence, which resulted in defeat for the Hungarian revolutionaries in October 1849. Despite the failure of the revolution to deliver independence, the revolution is seen as a key point in Hungary’s history and that the efforts of the people at that time should be remembered in this national holiday.