Abstract
Following the crushing of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848–1849 Lajos Kossuth was forced into exile in Turkey. Thanks to intervention on behalf of the American government that he was able to travel to the United States in 1851–52. His visit left a lasting mark on American culture. He made over 500 speeches and public appearances, however his position on slavery led to a controversy eventually undermining his original purpose of securing American support for the potential renewal of the Hungarians’ struggle for freedom. While anti-slavery activists in the United States, especially William Lloyd Garrison, were looking forward to him openly supporting the abolitionist cause, Kossuth opted for a much-maligned policy of non-interference. In response, Garrison, while admiring Kossuth at first, changed his stance and launched a vitriolic attack in a book-sized publication titled Letter to Louis Kossuth Concerning Freedom and Slavery in the United States (1852). While the circumstances of Kossuth's visit have been a subject of numerous scholarly essays, I intend to focus on Garrison's text in the forthcoming analysis of its form and content.
Highlights
Following the crushing of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848-1849 Lajos Kossuth, erstwhile Governor-Regent of Hungary, was forced into exile in Turkey
It was due to intervention on behalf of the American government that he was able to travel to England and the United States in 1851–52
His visit was a remarkable episode of Hungarian-American relations and left a lasting mark on American culture, while gaining the sympathy of the American people for the Hungarian cause
Summary
Following the crushing of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848-1849 Lajos Kossuth, erstwhile Governor-Regent of Hungary, was forced into exile in Turkey. Since he had gained international fame as a hero of universal freedom, anti-slavery activists in the United States, especially the well-known firebrand, William Lloyd Garrison, were looking forward to him openly supporting the abolitionist cause.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.