Trauma, Taboo, Cult
Trianon and Hungarians Abroad
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
By the Treaty of Trianon, Hungary in 1920 lost two-thirds of its territory and 3.2 million ethnic Hungarians to neighbouring states. In the interwar period, this was a trauma for Hungarians and produced a resonating case for revisionism and irredentism. Under socialism, the subject was taboo. Since the collapse of communism, the issue of Hungarians living abroad has grown in importance. Today, extreme right-wing circles in Hungary have made a cult of Trianon. It is supposed to serve nationalist mobilization. But greater-Hungarian nationalism and calls for a revision of Trianon do not have majority-appeal. Serious historical enlightenment is required.
(Osteuropa 12/2011, pp. 303–314)