Függetlenségünk

Függetlenségünk, meaning "our independence" in Hungarian, commonly refers to the historical and ongoing struggle for and achievement of national sovereignty by Hungary. This concept is deeply embedded in Hungarian national identity and has been a recurring theme throughout its history, particularly following periods of foreign domination or influence.

The modern understanding of függetlenségünk is often associated with the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, which granted Hungary a significant degree of autonomy within the dual monarchy. However, the desire for complete independence intensified in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, culminating in the declaration of independence following the collapse of Austria-Hungary after World War I.

The interwar period saw Hungary striving to maintain its independence amidst geopolitical challenges. World War II brought further occupation and a loss of sovereignty. Following the war, Hungary became part of the Soviet sphere of influence, and while officially a sovereign state, its independence was significantly curtailed by Soviet dominance.

The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a pivotal moment in the nation's quest for függetlenségünk, as Hungarians rose up against Soviet control and declared their neutrality and withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact. Though the revolution was brutally suppressed, the aspiration for genuine independence persisted.

The fall of communism in 1989 marked the regaining of full national sovereignty. Since then, függetlenségünk has been understood as the ability of Hungary to freely determine its own internal and foreign policies, free from external coercion. Debates surrounding függetlenségünk continue in contemporary Hungary, often revolving around interpretations of national interest and the country's relationship with international organizations and other global powers.