This medal was instituted during the reign of Nicholas I in commemoration of the end of the military operations during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. It was conferred upon generals, officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted men, as well as members of the clergy and doctors who actively participated during the campaign against Hungary.
When Hungary seceded from the Austrian Empire in 1848, Austrian Emperor Frances Joseph requested military help from Nicholas I. The Russian Emperor ever concerned with the spread of republican ideas was happy to oblige. Within a year 140 thousand strong Russian army under Field Marshal Paskevich invaded Hungary from Poland whereas another army broke into Transylvania from Moldavia. The revolt was crushed by August 1849. The medal was established the following year and awarded to all ranks that took part in the campaign. A little over 212,000 were issued.
