# Study Notes: Hungarian History - Key Figures and Topics ## Key Historical Figures ### **Károly Róbert (Charles I of Hungary)** #### Key Achievements: - **Economic Reforms**: - Introduced a stable currency, the **gold forint**, which strengthened Hungary's economy. - Implemented the **urbura** (mining tax), encouraging mining activities and increasing state revenue. - **Centralized Power**: - Reduced the influence of oligarchs (powerful noble families) by redistributing their lands and wealth. - Strengthened the monarchy by creating a loyal nobility dependent on royal favor. - **Trade Development**: - Promoted international trade by establishing **safe trade routes** and fostering connections with neighboring countries. For instance, Károly Róbert's gold forint became one of the most stable currencies in Europe, making Hungary a key player in international trade during his reign. #### Key Challenges: - Faced resistance from powerful noble families (e.g., the **Kőszegi** and **Csák clans**) who opposed his centralization efforts. - Had to secure his throne through military campaigns and alliances. Remember that Károly Róbert's reign marked the beginning of Hungary's economic and political stabilization after a period of feudal anarchy. --- ### **Nagy Lajos (Louis I of Hungary)** #### Key Achievements: - **Territorial Expansion**: - Extended Hungary's influence over **Poland**, **Dalmatia**, and parts of the Balkans. - Became King of Poland in 1370, creating a personal union between Hungary and Poland. - **Golden Bull of 1351**: - Reaffirmed the rights of the nobility while standardizing the **noble tax exemption**. - Introduced the **entailment law** (ősiség), ensuring that noble lands could not be sold or divided, preserving family wealth. The Golden Bull of 1351 is often compared to England's Magna Carta, as both documents limited royal power and protected noble privileges. #### Cultural Contributions: - Supported the arts and education, laying the groundwork for the Renaissance in Hungary. It’s a common misconception that Nagy Lajos was solely a military leader. In reality, his reign also emphasized legal and cultural development. --- ### **Luxemburgi Zsigmond (Sigismund of Luxembourg)** #### Key Achievements: - **Diplomatic Leadership**: - Played a central role in European politics as **Holy Roman Emperor** and King of Hungary. - Organized the **Council of Constance (1414–1418)**, which ended the Western Schism in the Catholic Church. - **Military Campaigns**: - Defended Hungary against the **Ottoman Empire**, though with mixed success. - Built the **Nándorfehérvár Fortress** (modern-day Belgrade) to strengthen Hungary's southern defenses. #### Reforms: - Introduced administrative reforms to improve governance. - Strengthened the **Order of the Dragon**, a chivalric order aimed at defending Christianity. Sigismund's efforts to fortify Hungary's southern borders were crucial in delaying Ottoman expansion into Central Europe. Sigismund's reign is best remembered for his dual role as a European statesman and a defender of Hungary against external threats. --- ### **Hunyadi János (John Hunyadi)** #### Key Achievements: - **Military Leadership**: - Renowned for his victories against the Ottoman Empire, particularly at the **Battle of Belgrade (1456)**. - Introduced innovative military tactics, such as the use of **light cavalry** and **fortified camps**. - **Regent of Hungary**: - Served as regent (1446–1453) during the minority of King Ladislaus V, effectively ruling the country. The Battle of Belgrade (1456) was a turning point in European history, as Hunyadi's victory delayed Ottoman expansion for decades. #### Legacy: - Hunyadi's leadership inspired future generations, including his son, **Hunyadi Mátyás (Matthias Corvinus)**. The noon bell in Catholic churches commemorates Hunyadi's victory at Belgrade, as ordered by Pope Callixtus III. --- ### **Hunyadi Mátyás (Matthias Corvinus)** #### Key Achievements: - **Renaissance Court**: - Established a flourishing Renaissance culture in Hungary, centered around his court in **Buda**. - Invited scholars, artists, and architects from Italy, making Hungary a cultural hub. - **Black Army**: - Created a professional standing army, the **Black Army**, which was one of the most advanced military forces in Europe. - **Administrative Reforms**: - Strengthened central authority by reducing the power of the nobility. - Introduced a more efficient tax system to fund his military campaigns. Hunyadi Mátyás's library, the **Bibliotheca Corviniana**, was one of the largest collections of Renaissance manuscripts in Europe. #### Challenges: - Faced resistance from the nobility, who opposed his centralization efforts. - Struggled to secure a lasting dynasty, as he had no legitimate heir. Many students confuse Hunyadi Mátyás's Black Army with earlier feudal armies. Unlike feudal forces, the Black Army was a professional, salaried military force. --- ## Key Themes and Connections ### **Renaissance in Hungary** - The Renaissance reached Hungary during the reign of Hunyadi Mátyás, who actively promoted art, science, and humanism. - His court in Buda became a center of learning and culture, rivaling those of Italy. Think of Hunyadi Mátyás as a bridge between medieval Hungary and the modern era, thanks to his embrace of Renaissance ideals. --- ## Practice Questions 1. **True or False**: Károly Róbert introduced the gold forint to stabilize Hungary's economy. 2. Match the following achievements to the correct ruler: - A. Battle of Belgrade - B. Golden Bull of 1351 - C. Bibliotheca Corviniana - D. Council of Constance - E. Black Army - F. Mining tax (urbura) 3. Explain how the reign of Hunyadi Mátyás contributed to the spread of Renaissance culture in Hungary. --- ## Key Takeaways - **Károly Róbert** laid the foundation for Hungary's economic and political stability. - **Nagy Lajos** expanded Hungary's influence and codified noble rights. - **Luxemburgi Zsigmond** balanced European diplomacy with defending Hungary from the Ottomans. - **Hunyadi János** became a national hero for his victories against the Ottomans. - **Hunyadi Mátyás** ushered in a golden age of culture and military innovation. Understanding the connections between these rulers helps illustrate the evolution of Hungary from a feudal kingdom to a Renaissance power.