Revolt of Rakoczi

In this year (2003) is the 300th anniversary of the revolt of Rákóczi. In this article I would like to show you events which had a large effect on the Hungarian history and culture.

What happened before Rákóczi's revolt?

In the middle of the 16th century Hungary cut into three independent parts. In 1541 the Turks took Buda castle and occupied the southern and central part of the country. The western and northern third of Hungary fell into the hands of Hapsburg rulers (Austria). The eastern part, Transylvania became an independent principality which was admitted both Turks and Hapsburgs. That state lasted for 150 years, and in that time rulers fought each other and caused large damage in the economy and development. The princes of Transylvania expected favours sometimes from the Turkish Sultan at other times from the Hapsburg emperor. Hungarians had not enough force to reunite the country.

In the second part of the 17th century France became the most powerful country in Europe. Austria could move only into east for new territory. When Turks tried to capture Vienna Hapsburgs began a powerful campaign against the Turks (Holly League) and recaptured Turkish occupied Hungarian territories by the end of the century. The new era commenced a forceful attack against the independence of the Hungarian nobles. Military occupation, taxation caused many rebellion (Thököly). In 1701 began the so called 'Inheritance War' between France and Austria for the Spanish throne. This war increased the load of Hungarian people.

Who was Ferenc Rákóczi II?

The Rákóczi was one of the richest families in Hungary in the 17th century, it had three Prince of Transylvania before Ferenc Rákóczi II, (his father, grandfather and great-grandfather). After his father's death, his mother, Ilona Zrinyi, married Imre Thököly who was the head of many, so called 'kuruc' rebellion. After the rebellion, when Thököly was captured and sent into exile, Ilona Zrinyi, with her children, moved to Munkács. This castle was attacked for two years by Austrian forces, and when took it the 13 year old Ferenc was sent to Vienna. The emperor wanted that he become a Hapsburg friend aristocrat, so Rákóczi was sent to Prague into a Jesuit college. The emperor also gave him a status of the Prince of German-Roman Empire for his faithfulness. In 1701 Ferenc Rákóczi sought a contact with France for help against Austrian terror. He was arrested and sent to Bécsújhely (Wiener Neustadt, Austria), but he escaped and moved to his friend Miklós Bercsényi, to Poland.

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