Lajos Kossuth was a Hungarian lawyer and politician born on September 19, 1802. He is best known for his role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, where he advocated for independence from the Austrian Empire. Kossuth was a prominent figure in Hungarian politics and is remembered for his passionate speeches and commitment to national sovereignty. His contributions to the fight for Hungarian independence have made him a national hero in Hungary.

"Men like me, who merely wish to establish political freedom, will in such circumstances lose all their influence, and others will get influence who may become dangerous to all established interests whatsoever."



"I must therefore implore your indulgence for a pretty long and plain development of my views concerning that cause which the citizens of New York, and you particularly, gentlemen, honour with generous interest."



"It is chiefly in New York that I feel induced to urge this, because New York is, by innumerable ties, connected with Europe - more connected than several parts of Europe itself."



"The Hungarian ministry begged the king earnestly to issue orders to all troops and commanders of fortresses in Hungary, enjoining fidelity to the Constitution, and obedience to the ministers of Hungary."



"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."



"In my opinion, the form of Government may be different in different countries, according to their circumstances, their wishes, their wants. England loves her Queen, and has full motive to do so."



"You must be a power on earth, and must therefore accept all the consequences of this position."



"The time draws near, when a radical change must take place for the whole world in the management of diplomacy."



"If I had undertaken the practical direction of military operations, and anything went amiss, I feared that my conscience would torture me, as guilty of the fall of my country, as I had not been familiar with military tactics."



"I have to thank the People, the Congress, and the Government of the United States for my liberation."



"The policy of the house of Austria, which aimed at destroying the independence of Hungary as a state, has been pursued unaltered for three hundred years."



"I believe that the confidence of Hungary in me is not shaken by misfortune nor broken by my calumniators."



"I consider no man honest who does not observe towards other nations the principles which he desires to be observed towards his own: and therefore I will not interfere in your domestic questions."


7

"The house of Austria has publicly used every effort to deprive the country of its legitimate Independence and Constitution, designing to reduce it to a level with the other provinces long since deprived of all freedom, and to unite all in a common sink of slavery."

