The competition was organised by the university’s Institute of History to mark the 500th anniversary of the Habsburgs’ accession to the Hungarian throne. The event aimed to encourage students to engage with the period in a nuanced way, drawing on recent historical research.
More than fifty teams of three applied, of which the eight best advanced to the finals based on the results of the written rounds. The participants represented a wide geographical range, arriving from across Hungary and beyond the borders.
In the final round, the contestants tackled a series of complex tasks requiring source analysis, chronological knowledge, and historical argumentation. Particular emphasis was placed on the figure of Emperor and King Charles of Austria–Hungary, as well as on the deposition of the Habsburgs during the interwar period.
The most engaging element proved to be a structured debate exercise, in which teams simulated a parliamentary discussion by taking a stance on the issue. They adopted either the position of Prime Minister István Bethlen, who supported the legislation on the dethronement of the Habsburg dynasty, or that of Count Albert Apponyi, who opposed it, substantiating their arguments with historical evidence.
Final results:
1st place – Dobó István Secondary School (Eger)
2nd place – Selye János Grammar School (Komárno)
3rd place – Lévay József Reformed Grammar School (Miskolc)
The Otto von Habsburg Foundation was represented on the jury by Szilveszter Dékány, Senior Collection Fellow.
In addition to the university’s awards, the winning teams received extra admission points for higher education. The Foundation also contributed special prizes in recognition of the students’ outstanding performance.
We extend our congratulations to the winning teams and their teachers, as well as to all participants for their excellent work throughout the competition.
Photos by István Princz
| Summary by Líceum TV in Eger |
