Horváth M. Ferenc (szerk.): Vác The heart of the Danube Bend. A historical guide for residents and globetrotters (Vác, 2009)
Tartalom
THE 1 9TH CENTURY - THE CENTURY OF GREAT CHANGES 143 "The Battle of Vác in July" by Mór Than (Hungarian National Museum) at the expense of some fierce street fights. Although the Hungarian army managed to escape, the Russians caused heavy losses in both ecclesiastic and secular properties when they pillaged the town. On 16 May the declaration of independence was ceremoniously proclaimed in the square outside the cathedral at a public meeting. The country and the town enjoyed their freedom and independence, although it did not last long. In July 1849 Artur Görgei and his army set off from the castle of Komárom to fight against the Russian forces that had been called to the country by the Austrians. The two armies engaged in battle in the fields of Vác on the Gödöllő side on 15 July. Then both sides withdrew. The "Muska (Russian) cross" in Zsellér Path was erected in memory of the Russian Cavalry Captain Emerich von Offenberg, who had been killed in this battle. After a day's rest, on 17 July Görgei started withdrawing towards Tokaj, but one of his columns was attacked by the Russian army and they could only leave the town HABSBURG ABSOLUTISM The Hungarian War of Independence was defeated by foreign forces, the tsarist Russian army. The progressive minds of Europe, among others Heinrich Heine mourned over the fall of the war. “The final hope for freedom has been lost. Hungary is bleeding to death!" Black-and-yellow flags were flown on the houses again, and the country lived under the shadow of retribution and tyranny. Housesearches were frequent, spies were watching the climate of opinion in pubs and public places. Various forms of passive resistance evolved against the foreign power: people wore Hungarian-style The Austrian eagle on the Hungarian coat of arms Drawing of the building of the Gendarmerie of Vác, 1853 János Krauner's identification certificate, 1858 clothes and jewellery, the national anthem was sung in public places, plays on Hungarian themes were performed, payment of taxes was refused, and preparations for a secret armed resistance movement were made. Nevertheless, the revolution had made some achievements that could not be annihilated by the Austrian Government. After The seal of the Telegraph Office of Vác, 1868
