Hide

Between November 21st, 1916, and November 13th, 1918, Charles IV (also known as Charles I, Emperor of Austria) led the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Following the death of Franz Joseph, the 29-year-old Charles immediately set in motion the reorganization of the political elite of the Monarchy. In a matter of a few months, the new ruler succeeded in replacing almost every one of the empire’s main leaders. Charles’ reorganization of the leadership culminated with the removal of Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Hungary Count István Tisza. It was during these months that he was tagged with the “Sudden Charles” moniker (Karl der Plötzliche), to which the title of our debate refers. This attribute perfectly described the endeavors of the young ruler, which were not limited only to domestic affairs. In the middle of WWI, when the condition of the Central Powers was far from dire, Charles initiated an attempt at making peace with the Allies, which came to be known as the Sixtus Affair. The pro-peace ruler was not only interested in ending the war, but was keen on initiating active reforms.        

The coronation of Charles as King of Hungary, the last such ceremony since then, took place on December 30th, 1916. The power and glory of Greater Hungary shined for one final historical moment, so much so that among the attendees of the ceremony, irrespective of later political affiliation, consensus opinion was that the Buda Castle coronation had been one of the most significant events of their lifetimes.  

In Hungary, we have a tendency to judge Charles IV on his 1921 attempts to restore the Monarchy, while also characterizing his undertakings as a complete failure. Perhaps the main objective of our debate tonight is to change these perceptions by presenting contrary facts that are not well known by the public.