Introduction

Abstract

The Russian intervention in Hungary in 1849 began on 17 June and ended on 13 August when the major part of the Hungarian army commanded by General Görgey surrendered to Field Marshal Paskevich, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian army at Şiria (Világos in Hungarian). Although the campaign lasted only eight weeks, it made a deep impression on the rising middle class in western Europe and had far-reaching consequences for the future relationship between Russia and the Habsburg empire, which was never to be the same again. For Nicholas the intervention was the high point of his reign which was to end on a very different note in March 1855 during the Crimean War.

‘The fate of Hungary will largely influence the future condition of all Europe.’ (Lord Aberdeen to Princess Lieven, 18 August 1849).¹

‘The fate and condition of Poland are now, as they have been for the last century, the key to the whole policy of Russia.’ (Edinburgh Review, April 1847, vol. 222, p. 292).