Hungarian Heritage Review, 1987 (16. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1987-07-01 / 7. szám
Milestones ^3ln Hungarian ;Mtstory Hussite leader, Giskra, and the King of Bohemia, George Podiebrad. At the head of his army Matthias confronted Giskra, pursuing his foe onto his own ground. He won several victories and took several important fortresses. The King revealed his astonishing prowess at negotiations when, after having trapped Giskra and his forces, he offered pardon as well as an opportunity for Giskra and his army to join with the Hungarians. This gesture, coupled with a cash offering and a position at Court, won Giskra over completely. Matthias found that he had not only eliminated a dangerous enemy, but that he had made a loyal and courageous friend. The Black Army It was at this point that Matthias created a weapon that was to serve him and Hungary in good stead. He organized a large, well-disciplined force of some 25,000 men — Czechs, Magyars, Germans and others — who were called, because of their distinctive armor, the “Black Army.” This formidable band provided the King with a loyal and efficient fighting force and enabled him to keep a loyal army without causing a great drain on the native Hungarian population. This force was similar to the elite corps that provided the backbone of his father’s almost invincible army. With Giskra contained, Matthias was now able to meet Frederick III. And it was not long before the Emperor was forced to conclude a peace with Matthias. He returned the Holy Crown to Hungary and entered into an agreement whereby Frederick or his heirs would succeed to the throne of Hungary should Matthias die without a male heir. To Matthias, now only twenty-four years of age, this eventuality was almost unthinkable. Taxes and the Law Matthias, while he was much occupied with matters of international politics, warfare and changing alliances, paid great attention to the internal affairs of his kingdom. In measures designed to strengthen the role of the King and to centralize power, he introduced a series of taxes which produced enormous revenues — especially since they weighed upon the shoulders of the nobility as well as upon the rest of the population. While there was resentment at this equalizing of the tax burden, the overall effect was such that a much greater development of prosperity throughout the land enabled all segments of the population to pay the taxes and still have something left over for their own needs and uses. Matthias kept very tight control over everything that went on in his kingdom; his appointments were from the ranks of people whom he knew to be trustworthy and competent. It became one of Matthias' greatest delights to disguise himself and to walk among his people, listening and observing. Legends sprang up within his own lifetime of the ways in which he shared the burdens of the poor, saw various injustices inflicted upon them, and then, as King, rectified these violations of his laws. The King revamped the entire judiciary system in such a fashion as to protect members of the lower nobility and the lowest social orders from excesses of injustice. He prevented the most powerful nobles from exercising their influence upon the courts of the land. In many judicial proceedings the King took part personally. The King’s attitudes and the results of his efforts on behalf of his people caused him to become known as “Matthias the Just.” Towns and Cities Although Hungary continued to be a rural nation, Matthias encouraged the growth and development of towns and cities. He gave many privileges to the free cities, protecting them from the harassment of local nobles. As a result of these policies almost eight hundred towns existed during Matthias’ reign, and these contributed mightily to the total prosperity and economic strength of the entire nation. Even the peasantry gained considerably from these policies, for they were given the right of free movement rather than being considered as part of the land they worked — a procedure common throughout most of Europe. Continued Threats As might have been expected, all of the developments of Matthias towards his country’s growth and prosperity did not proceed without grumbling and opposition. But one of the greatest dangers to Hungary’s security came once again from abroad. Led by Podiebrad, King of —continued next page 14 HUNGARIAN HERITAGE REVIEW JULY 1987
