The Aster Revolution ended Habsburg rule in Hungary and led directly to the dissolution of Austria-Hungary after World War I.
Key Facts
- Date of Revolution
- 31 October 1918
- Leader
- Count Mihály Károlyi
- Republic Proclaimed
- 16 November 1918
- Republic Ended
- 21 March 1919
- Symbol
- Aster flower
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Prolonged hardship and disillusionment caused by World War I generated widespread popular protests across Hungary. Demobilised soldiers and civilians grew increasingly opposed to continued participation in the war and to Habsburg rule, creating conditions for radical political change.
On 31 October 1918, Count Mihály Károlyi led the Aster Revolution, named for the flower adopted as its symbol by his supporters. The uprising succeeded in toppling the existing order, and on 16 November 1918 Hungary was proclaimed the First Hungarian People's Republic under Károlyi's leadership.
The revolution resulted in Hungary declaring independence from Austria-Hungary, accelerating the complete dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The First Hungarian People's Republic proved short-lived, lasting only until 21 March 1919 before giving way to further political upheaval.