The events of March 18, 1848

Palatine Stephen

Following the March 15 developments, a Hungarian delegation went from Pozsony to Vienna to present their demands to Ferdinand V. After a day of discussions, an “independent Hungarian Ministry” was accepted under the leadership of Count Lajos Batthyány, who was a close friend of Kossuth and president of the “Opposition Circle” of Pest. The approval did not come easily: strenuously opposed by the Archduchess Sophie (mother of Franz Joseph — heir to the throne) as well as Archdukes Louis and Francis Charles. Ferdinand V vacillated, but sided with the Hungarians after the Palatine threatened to resign. Returning to Pozsony, the Diet went to work on the reforms with final approval on April 11.

The Palatine (Nádor), a “Habsburg,” was the King’s representative.

Back to Milestones of 1848-49