Abstract (eng)
The diploma thesis provides a detailed review of the impact of the Reformation on the
tripartite Hungarian kingdom. Apart from a discussion of the historic circumstances
around the social and religious conversion of King Matthias Corvinus up to the
consequences and outcomes of the battle of Mohács in 1526, the divergent developments
of the Reformation will be described in three separate parts with particular reference to
the two phases of the Reformation having led to the differentiation within the Protestant
confession in further course.
After a general historical presentation of the spreading of Protestantism, the main part
of this diploma thesis focuses on the West Hungarian region. As the social structure in
this particular region shows various specific characteristics and features, especially in
social, economic and political respect, the leading role of the Hungarian magnates during
the 16th and 17th century will be discussed. The families of Nádasdy and Batthyány as
members of the Hungarian high nobility will be discussed as representative examples.
Supported by their social standing and impact both of these noble families played a major
role in the spreading and penetration of the reformatory confession. However, the shift in
confession not only brought about alterations in the religious beliefs at the domains of
these two noble families, but especially in the cultural environment. With the foundation
of schools and print shops the magnates also contributed towards the promotion and
development of the Hungarian language. The individualism of the respective family
members not only brought about a number of common cultural features and
characteristics, but much rather also some predominantly confessional differences and
consequences for the Protestant ecclesiastical organisation. Time and circumstances of
recatholisation also show some particular differences.
However, in summary the time of reformations must be considered as an important
period in Hungarian history supporting a first bloom of the Hungarian language.