Meaning: The quote, "Hungary is, in a word, in a state of WAR against the Hapsburg dynasty, a war of legitimate defence, by which alone it can ever regain independence and freedom." by Lajos Kossuth, encapsulates the sentiment and struggle of Hungary during the mid-19th century against the rule of the Habsburg dynasty. It reflects the spirit of resistance and the quest for independence that characterized the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849, a pivotal moment in the nation's history.

Lajos Kossuth was a prominent figure in the Hungarian independence movement and a key leader during the revolution. As a lawyer and statesman, he played a significant role in advocating for Hungarian autonomy and rallying support for the cause of independence. His words captured the essence of the conflict between Hungary and the Habsburg monarchy, emphasizing the justifications for the struggle and the aspirations for freedom.

The quote highlights the perception of the conflict as a defensive war for the legitimate rights of the Hungarian people. It underscores the notion that the struggle against the Habsburg dynasty was not an act of aggression but rather a response to perceived oppression and a quest to reclaim the nation's sovereignty. Kossuth's use of the term "legitimate defence" serves to justify the Hungarian resistance as a necessary and just response to external domination.

The reference to regaining "independence and freedom" reflects the overarching goals of the Hungarian revolutionaries. It conveys the deep-seated desire for self-determination and liberation from foreign control. The Habsburg dynasty, as the ruling power, represented the suppression of Hungarian autonomy, and the call for independence resonated with the aspirations of the Hungarian people for sovereignty and self-governance.

The historical context in which this quote emerged is crucial to understanding its significance. The mid-19th century was a time of fervent nationalistic movements across Europe, and Hungary was no exception. The revolution of 1848, also known as the Hungarian Springtime of Nations, was a widespread upheaval against the established order, driven by aspirations for political and cultural autonomy.

The Habsburg dynasty, which ruled over the multi-ethnic Austrian Empire, faced challenges from various nationalities seeking independence. In the case of Hungary, the grievances were rooted in the suppression of Hungarian language and culture, as well as political and economic marginalization. The revolution of 1848 was a culmination of these grievances, and Kossuth's quote encapsulates the spirit of defiance and determination that characterized the Hungarian struggle for independence.

In the aftermath of the revolution, Hungary's bid for independence was ultimately quashed by the Habsburg forces, leading to a period of repressive rule. However, the events of 1848-1849 left a lasting impact on the Hungarian national consciousness and continued to fuel the aspirations for independence in the decades that followed.

Kossuth's quote has endured as a symbol of the resilience and unwavering commitment of the Hungarian people to assert their rights and regain their freedom. It has been invoked in subsequent periods of Hungarian history as a reminder of the nation's enduring struggle for independence and self-determination.

In conclusion, Lajos Kossuth's quote encapsulates the spirit of resistance and the quest for independence that defined the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849. It reflects the aspirations of the Hungarian people for sovereignty, self-determination, and freedom from external domination. The quote's enduring significance lies in its portrayal of the Hungarian struggle as a defensive war for legitimate rights and its resonance as a symbol of the nation's unwavering commitment to regain independence.