Franz Joseph I promulgates the March Constitution at Olomouc, abolishing the April Laws

Background. Franz Joseph I succeeded as Emperor of Austria in December 1848. Under the guidance of Prince Felix of Schwarzenberg, the new emperor initially pursued a cautious course, granting a constitution in March 1849. This constitution, known as the March Constitution, was promulgated by Minister of the Interior Count Stadion between 4 March and 7 March 1849.

Constitutional Change. The March Constitution reclaimed Habsburg power after the concessions made during the Revolutions of 1848. It established absolutist rule, which the 1867 compromise later described as ending 18 years of absolutist rule and military dictatorship introduced by Francis Joseph after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. Though declared irrevocable, the constitution was eventually revoked by the New Year's Eve Patent of Emperor Franz Joseph I on 31 December 1851.

Impact on Hungary. The April Laws, passed by the Hungarian Diet in March 1848 and signed by King Ferdinand V on 11 April 1848, were arbitrarily revoked by Francis Joseph without legal competence. This action contributed to the dethronement of the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty by the Hungarian Diet in April 1849.

Military Administration. On 7 March 1849, an imperial proclamation established that the territory of the Kingdom of Hungary would be carved up and administered by five military districts, while the Principality of Transylvania would be reestablished. This administrative change reflected the loss of Hungarian state rights.