Lajos Kossuth was a Hungarian politician who played an important role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. During his time, Kossuth became involved in politics and eventually led the rebellion against the Austrian Empire.

Map of Austrian Empire | Source: Wikipedia

Early Life

Lajos Kossuth was born in 1802 in Hungary. He attended the Protestant academy of Sárospatakwhere. After graduation he was unable to secure a position in the government and this forced him back to his hometown where he found employment with someone close to his father. He returned to Hungary with an enlightened view of government but found that conditions had changed since his departure: nationalism was rising among Hungarians who had been suppressed by their Austrian rulers for centuries.

Mihály Zichy’s Rendition of Revolution of 1848 | Source: Wikipedia

The Hungarian Revolution of 1848 was caused by social, political, and economic factors. The revolution began on March 15, 1848 when Hungarians demanded independence from Austria. On April 14, 1849, Lajos Kossuth was self-proclaimed governor-president. He promised reforms but soon had to face uprisings led by nobles who wanted an aristocratic system instead of democracy like Kossuth wanted for his countrymen. He was deposed by the Austrians and Russians only. Eventually he fled to Turkey where he continued his political career until his death in 1894. Lajos Kossuth’s legacy is primarily defined by his role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. He was also a revolutionary who sought to create an independent state for his people.

Hungary 5 Forint Silver Coin ft. Lajos Kossuth, 1947 | Source: Banknote World

Remembrance Through Numismatics

In addition to being remembered for his role in the Hungarian Revolution and its aftermath, Lajos Kossuth has also been memorialized through statues and streets named after him throughout Europe (especially Hungary). There is even an asteroid named after him! You can also find him various numismatics. This silver 5 forint coin was issued by Hungary in 1947 to acknowledge him, his beard was the inspiration for the Lincoln silver coin. The obverse features an in-profile of Lajos Kossuth and the reverse depicts a shield. Also the Hungary 10 Million Pengo Banknote, 1945. The banknote’s obverse features the coat of arms of Hungary flanked by two angels, stylized flowers, and also a portrait of Lajos Kossuth. The reverse of the paper bill depicts stylized flowers and a dove with an olive branch in its beak.

Hungary 10 Million Pengo ft. Lajos Kossuth 1945 | Source: Banknote World

Sources:

Thumbnail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kossuth_Lajos_sz%C3%ADnezett_litogr%C3%A1fia_1848_Prinzhofer.jpg

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lajos-Kossuth

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