Hungary’s political history is a story of resilience, transformation, and adaptation in the heart of Central Europe. The Kingdom of Hungary was founded in 1000 AD by King Stephen I, who introduced Christianity and laid the foundation of a centralized monarchy. For centuries, Hungary played a key role in European affairs, but its sovereignty was often challenged. After the Ottoman conquest in the 16th century, Hungary was divided between Ottoman, Habsburg, and Transylvanian rule.
By the 19th century, the struggle for independence grew strong, culminating in the 1848 revolution against Habsburg domination. Although suppressed, it set the stage for the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, creating a dual monarchy that lasted until the end of World War I. Following the war, Hungary lost two-thirds of its territory under the Treaty of Trianon (1920), a defining event that shaped its modern identity.
After World War II, Hungary fell under Soviet influence, becoming a socialist state. The 1956 revolution, though crushed, symbolized the nation’s desire for freedom. Finally, in 1989, Hungary transitioned to democracy, playing a leading role in the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe. Today, it remains a parliamentary republic within the European Union.