Revolution erupts in Europe in early 1848,…

Revolution erupts in Europe in early 1848, and by March it has ignited both Austria and Hungary.

Hungary's Diet seizes the opportunity to enact a comprehensive legislative program that, in effect, extricates the country from the Middle Ages.

The Diet abolishes serfdom and feudal privileges and proclaims freedom of the press and religion.

The Diet's reform legislation also provides for the union of Transylvania and Hungary.

In April Emperor Ferdinand V (1835-48) swears to uphold the reforms, and on May 29, with a crowd in the street shouting "Union or Death!" the Transylvanian Diet votes for unification.

Romanians have no voice in the decision.