Description

The term "Budapest" was coined by István Széchenyi in 1831, advocating for a unified capital merging historic Buda and burgeoning Pest. Széchenyi stressed the necessity of artificial intervention to prevent the cities' provincial status, with the construction of the Chain Bridge symbolizing this union. Minister of the Interior Bertalan Szemere officially merged the cities on June 24, 1849, emphasizing Buda's historical significance and Pest's status as the capital. Despite the decree's initial failure, centralization continued under the absolutist regime, culminating in the amalgamation of Óbuda and Buda in December 1849, followed by Buda and Pest in November 1850. The Compromise of 1867 spurred further political changes, leading to the final merger of Buda, Pest, Óbuda, and Margaret Island on November 17, 1873. This event marked the establishment of the Municipal Council and paved the way for Budapest's transformation into a global metropolis, experiencing rapid growth in industry, commerce, and population. By 1890, Budapest's civilian population had surged to 492,000, elevating it to 8th place among European cities by 1900.

Engraver: Tamás Asszonyi