Kossuth, Louis

kosh'oot, Louis (1802-1894), Hungarian patriot. He was descended from a Protestant family of high rank. In 1832 he entered the Hungarian Parliament. To understand his life it must be remembered that Hungary was held at that time by Austria, practically as a southern province. He was a member of a party that favored independence from Austria. He became the editor of a secret newspaper circulated in writing. For this offense he was imprisoned for a time. He held various positions in the Hungarian government, always opposing the views of the Viennese, that is to say, the Austrian party. In 1848 he was instrumental in organizing a revolutionary outbreak with a view to throwing off Austrian domination. The movement assumed large proportions, and might have been successful, it is believed, but for the interference of Russia in favor of the Austrians. In 1849 Kossuth was obliged to flee the country. He was intercepted by the Turks and held prisoner for two years, being liberated finally through the influence of Great Britain. He then visited England and the United States. He was received in this country with great enthusiasm. Matters were patched up between Austria and Hungary in 1867. Kossuth was then at liberty to return to his native land, but preferred to live abroad. He died at Turin, Italy, never fully satisfied with the formation of the Austria-Hungarian government.