Hungary had many (failed) revolutions, and while 1956 is more well known abroad, here the 1848 one against the then Austrian overlords (which I diaried about) is by far the most popular and remembered.

There are two important writings connected to it. One is a poem titled "National Song", written for the initial (bloodless) revolt by a chief organiser. It is probably more recited than the national hymn, and its translated reflain ends with: "Shall we be captive or free? That's the question, choose!" This line (or just the first half of it) is heavily used in political discourse. The other writing were the "12 Points", the demands of the revolutionaries summarised bullet-point-wise. Those 12 points (which again include demands for sovereignity) were held up to every government ever since by critics (and all kinds of initiatives try to emulate it by writing their own 12 points, rather silly if you ask me).

However, the pro-accession side had stronger counter-arguments: on one hand, they argued NATO is not an imperial influence but an association that would defend against more imperial influence (people not realising what Brzezinski et al on one side and Perle et al on the otrher side were really about); on the other hand, point out that the Revolution was crushed in the end when Russia intervened on the Habsburg's behalf -- e.g. the country is too weak on its own.

The second example is further back in time, back to the 15th century: to the time of Renaissance king Mathias Corvinus. He was the last strong King of Hungary before the Ottoman conquest (and posthumously the most popular king). He could fight off the Ottoman armies, but realised his kingdom doesn't have the resources for a long-term strategic victory. So he thought he should first get a larger safe background -- and take over German lands by conquest and diplomacy. (He was well into it by the time of his early death, when he already moved his capital ot Vienna.) This is something everyone learns at school, and adds to this idea that the country shouldn't stay alone just in case some big neighbour arises. (I can't believe what prospects seemed realistic ot people back then in retrospect...)

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}