Hungarian National Council

The Hungarian National Council was a political organization that played a pivotal role in Hungary's transition following World War I. On October 31, 1918, as the Austro-Hungarian monarchy faced imminent defeat, Charles appointed Mihály Károlyi prime minister, leading an administration based on the left-wing National Council. After the monarchy's armistice and Charles's renunciation of public affairs, the National Council dissolved Parliament on November 16, 1918, proclaiming Hungary an independent republic with Károlyi as provisional president.123

This period was marked by significant upheaval. Serb, Czech, and Romanian troops occupied large portions of the country. Károlyi's government eventually gave way to a Soviet republic led by Béla Kun on March 21, 1919. This regime was short-lived, falling on August 1, 1919, after which Romanian troops entered Budapest.123

Following the collapse of the Soviet republic, counterrevolutionary governments formed, leading to the establishment of a provisional regime under Károly Huszár in November 1919. Elections in January 1920 resulted in a new Parliament that nullified previous measures and restored the monarchy. Admiral Miklós Horthy was elected regent, serving as provisional head of state. This period also saw the signing of the Treaty of Trianon in June 1920, which resulted in significant territorial losses for Hungary.123