Hungarian history: 1918 - 1945

October 1918

Bourgeois democratic revolution, republic proclaimed

1919 March

Soviet Republic lasting 133 days

20 June 1920

Treaty of Trianon: Hungary loses two-thirds of its territory and three-fifths of its population; 3 million Hungarians are left outside Hungary's borders.

1919-1944

Regency of Miklós Horthy. From the start, he endeavours to have Hungary's original borders restored and sets up a conservative parliamentary regime with dictatorial elements.

1938

First Vienna Award: return of the Slovak territory inhabited by ethnic Hungarians

1940

Second Vienna Award: part of Transylvania returned to Hungary

1941

During the Second World War, Hungary allows German troops to cross its territory on their way to Yugoslavia. Prime minister Count Teleki commits suicide.

June 1941

Hungary declares war on the Soviet Union; following devastating defeat of 2nd Hungarian army, "seesaw policy".

19 March 1944

After six-week siege, Budapest occupied by German troops. Persecution of Jews begins under direction of Eichmann.

28 December 1944

Provisional government declares war on Germany.

4 April 1945

Hungary conquered by the Red Army.