Romanians assemble at Câmpia Libertății, Blaj, against Transylvania's union with Hungary

Background. The Hungarian Revolution of 1848 was part of broader European revolutions linked to Habsburg areas. In April 1848, the Hungarian government proclaimed union with Transylvania via the April Laws. This political shift prompted Romanian opposition, as they viewed the union as a threat to their rights and land ownership, setting the stage for the assembly in Blaj.

Protest at Blaj. Over 40,000 Romanians met at Câmpia Libertății in Blaj to protest Transylvania becoming part of Hungary. They held that the lands would be stolen from them. The assembly was a direct response to the Hungarian government's proclamation of union, which was seen as invalid and against human rights by the Romanian population.

Political Context. The union was ratified by the Transylvanian Diet in May 1848. However, contemporary sources noted the union was proclaimed against human rights. The Romanian protest highlighted the tension between Hungarian liberal revolutionary goals and the rights of non-Hungarian populations, who feared losing their lands and autonomy.