Francis II Rákóczi

Leader of Hungary's war of independence against Habsburg rule.

Life

Eminent nobility

Rákóczi came from one of Hungary's most illustrious noble families. As a child he was taken from his mother by the Habsburg authorities and educated in Austria.

War of Independence

In 1703 he answered a peasant uprising and led a war of independence against Habsburg rule. He was elected Prince of Transylvania and "Ruling Prince of the Confederated Estates of Hungary", and in 1707 the Diet declared the Habsburg dynasty deposed.

Exile

After their defeat in 1708 the rebels gradually fell apart, and a peace treaty was signed in 1711. He refused to accept it and went into exile in Poland and France, finally spending the rest of his life at Rodosto in the Ottoman Empire, where he died in 1735.

Legacy

Rákóczi is a national hero of Hungary, and his remains were brought back to Hungary for reburial in 1906.

Major works & achievements

• Reminiscences

Did you know? The "Rákóczi March" is one of Hungary's most famous pieces of music; both Berlioz and Liszt arranged it.

Key dates

• 1703Led the War of Independence
• 1704Elected Prince of Transylvania
• 1707Diet declared the Habsburgs deposed
• 1711Exile
• 1735Died in the Ottoman Empire