March 15th 1848, the beginning of the War of Independence

Today is the 173rd anniversary of one of the most important days in Hungarian history, March 15, 1848. On this day, the Revolution and War of Independence of 1848-49 began, with the aim of separation from the Habsburg Empire.

This war of independence was also significant because it later became part of Hungarian identity. There was a simultaneous effort to achieve individual freedom and national self-determination.

Before March 15, 1848

On March 11th, the Viennese student youth filed a petition against the Habsburg emperor. On March 12th, the 12-point petition, formulated by József Irinyi, was accepted at the Opposition Circle’s meeting in Budapest. An important focal point was the outbreak of the French Revolution in February 1848 and the outbreak of the Viennese Revolution on the 13th of March. As a result of the latter, the plan was developed according to which

they will meet in the Pilvax café on the morning of the 15th and announce the previously formulated 12 points throughout Budapest.

March 15, 1848

Sándor Petőfi met Mór Jókai and Gyula Bulyovszky, among others at 8 am. Jókai read the 12 points, while Petőfi read the poem of the National Song, which he wrote the previous evening. They then went to the University of Law, where a group of students were already waiting for them. At this location, Petőfi recited his poem, and Jókai repeats the 12 points. They also read them out at the Medical University and the Faculty of Engineering and Philosophy. At each station, many students and people from the street joined.

The first wish of the 12 points was to achieve freedom for the press. Therefore, around 10 am, the crowd marched to the Landerer and Heckenast book printing press. There,

the 12 points and the National Song could be printed without censorship.