National Council

political organization, Hungary

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July 1, 2026

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The National Council was a political organization in Hungary that played a significant role in the country's transition to an independent republic. In October 1918, as World War I neared its end, Charles IV appointed Mihály Károlyi as prime minister, leading an administration based on the National Council. This council subsequently dissolved Parliament and proclaimed Hungary an independent republic on November 16, 1918, with Károlyi as provisional president. The National Council's actions marked a pivotal moment, separating Hungary from Austria and ushering in a new political era.1

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Budapest
The modern city
…the autumn of 1918, the National Council, a revolutionary body headed by Count Mihály Károlyi and supported by antiwar radicals and socialists, took power in Budapest. The following March the Károlyi regime collapsed; communists seized power in the capital and held it for four months while also controlling the central…
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…the autumn of 1918, the National Council, a revolutionary body headed by Count Mihály Károlyi and supported by antiwar radicals and socialists, took power in Budapest. The following March the Károlyi regime collapsed; communists seized power in the capital and held it for four months while also controlling the central…
Read More

Hungary
Revolution, counterrevolution, and the regency, 1918–45
…administration based on a left-wing National Council. After the monarchy had signed an armistice on November 3 and Charles had “renounced participation” in public affairs on the 13th, the National Council dissolved Parliament on the 16th and proclaimed Hungary an independent republic, with Károlyi as provisional president. The separation from…
Read More
…administration based on a left-wing National Council. After the monarchy had signed an armistice on November 3 and Charles had “renounced participation” in public affairs on the 13th, the National Council dissolved Parliament on the 16th and proclaimed Hungary an independent republic, with Károlyi as provisional president. The separation from…
Read More