Aster Revolution

The Aster Revolution or Chrysanthemum Revolution (Őszirózsás forradalom) was a revolution in Hungary led by Count Mihály Károlyi in the aftermath of World War I which resulted in the foundation of the short-lived First Hungarian People's Republic. The revolution was brought about by widespread protests as World War I wore on, from which Mihály Károlyi emerged as the leader of the newly proclaimed First Hungarian People's Republic that reigned between 16 November 1918 and 21 March 1919. Supporters of Károlyi, many of whom were demobilized soldiers, adopted the aster as the symbol of the revolution. After the victory of the revolution, Hungary declared its independence and, as a result, Austria-Hungary dissolved. In the second half of 1918, the course of World War I turned decisively against the Central Powers. The German Spring Offensive collapsed by July, alongside the accompanied Austrian offensive on the Italian Front. In mid-September, the Entente broke through the Macedonian Front. Unable to halt their advance, Bulgaria capitulated on September 29, and Austrian military situation became untenable. Over the course of the war, although Romania and Italy were promised large territorial concessions, there were differing opinions over the future dismemberment of Austria-Hungary (as in January 1918, Wilson's 14 points only demanded "autonomous development" of nationalities). However following failed attempts to negotiate a separate peace, and the growing influence of Italian-backed Czech and Southern Slavic demands, plans among Entente leaders increasingly tended towards the monarchy's dissolution. By Summer 1918 the Entente recognised the Czechoslovak National Council as the future government of an independent Czechoslovakia. Therefore Austro-Hungarian peace offers based on the 14 points were rejected. As a final measure to salvage his empire, on 16 October Emperor Charles published the Völkermanifest, declaring the federalisation of the Austrian part of the empire, and legitimised the formation of National Councils.