The Hungarian Democratic Republic was a short-lived state that existed from November 1918 to March 1919. It emerged after the end of World War I, following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The republic aimed to establish a democratic government and implement social reforms, but it faced significant political instability and economic challenges. In March 1919, the government was overthrown by the Hungarian Soviet Republic, a communist regime led by Béla Kun. This transition marked a shift towards radical socialist policies, which ultimately led to further conflict and the eventual defeat of the Soviet Republic later that year.