March 1849: “war of the generals”

The emperor Franz Joseph, encouraged by
Windischgraetz’s optimistic assessments after the battle at Kápolna, promulgates
the March Constitution. From his ensconcement in Olmütz, rearranges the
hierarchies of government, relations with the Reichstag and prerogatives of
jurisdictions.(March 4) Of significance to the Hungarians were
paragraphs 71-75, which sought to detach significant parts of the
Kingdom, including Croatia-Slavonia, Transylvania, Adriatic litoral,
Vojvodina and the military border.
The “Hungarian Constitution” to remain in
effect but “only where not in conflict with the March Constitution.”
But, in effect, Hungary was to be merely a province of the Monarchy, which was
to be “one and indivisible” (i.e. tied to Austria). The ministers to be
responsible only to the emperor, provincial authority severely curtailed, though
some new delegation of prerogatives to the municipalities. The net effect was
renewed Hungarian determination to resist: even the Reichstag demurred. While
the “nationalities (were) to be considered equal”, no provisions for real
autonomy envisaged. The March constitution never did take effect.

Siege of Komárom (March
31)
Sally from Komárom
(Feb.24)

While much of the military
activity had moved to the East of Hungary, the December-January Windischgraetz
advance omitted to conquer certain Hungarian strongholds, foremost of which was
Komárom on the Danube -about halfway between Buda-Pest and Vienna. Repeated
Austrian attempts to take the city and fort have failed, including a March 31
siege, while the Hungarian garrison had used the fort as a base to harass the
Austrian supply lines.

A parliamentary meeting in Debrecen favors making Görgey supreme commander
(March 8), but Kossuth moves to appoint Gen. Antal Vetter instead to
take charge of all forces outside of Transylvania.
Previously, Kossuth had
sought to arrest Görgey for insubordination, however, events had overtaken such
a move. The military strongly supported Görgey, considering him a military
genius, while deploring Dembinski.
The Vetter appointment finally prevailed,
dissension abated. Görgey had been appointed to head the combined st, 3rd and
7th army corps, all based at Tiszafüred.

Many of Dembinski’s senior officers, resenting the Kápolna defeat, urge his
removal. Görgey, in a ticklish position, passed on to Minister Szemere the
seriousness of this move..
Kossuth at first suspected Görgey of mutiny, but
this turned out to be groundless. Though Kossuth tried to restore Dembinski,
this was unsuccessful and Dembinski was stripped of his command by the Defense
Committee, which, with Kossuth’s concurrence, named Görgey area commander.
(March 5)
The 3rd and 5th army corps, under Damjanich and Vécsey,
respectively overrun the Austrian positions at Szolnok and
occupy the city.

Bem at Nagyszeben (on white
horse)

Following Bem victories (e.g. Nagyszeben, Transylvania- March 11),
Gen. Puchner’s units retreat into Romania through the Tomosi pass. Leaving with
Puchner’s Austrians and Saxons was a contingent of Russian troops, thought by
Kossuth to be Romanians in Russian uniforms. With the exception of Gyulafehérvár
and Déva, held by Rumanian insurgents, Transylvania is under Hungarian control.
(March 20-30)

General Mór Perczel moves from Szeged with his 4th army corps for his South
Hungary campaign. Relieves the beleaguered Hungarian garrison at Pétervárad
(part of Újvidék, Novi Sad, Serbia today). General Vetter resigns his post ,
citing his failing health. Kossuth names Görgey acting supreme commander.
The
Slovak national council appeals to Franz Joseph for establishment of a Slovak
Province.

Back to 1849

Source: Andrew Vadász’s Kossuth & 1848-49 Collection.