The Question of Loyalty Habsburg Subjects in the Service of George I Rákóczi

Abstract

In my article I would like to offer another perspective on the relationship between the Principality of Transylvania and the eastern-north-eastern part of the Habsburg Monarchy, which was called Upper-Hungary. This region was a unique part of the Monarchy, with respect to its religion and society. Upper-Hungary was part of the Habsburg Monarchy but because of the subjects who lived there had a strong connection to the Principality of Transylvania. In my article I will focus on the Rákóczi family, especially George I Rákóczi (Prince of Transylvania from 1630 to 1648). He was the second member of the Rákóczi family who was elected to be the Prince of Transylvania. But he also had huge properties in Upper-Hungary, which meant he was a subject of the Habsburg rulers while also being the Prince of Transylvania at the same time. I would like to show how George I Rákóczi influenced the political decisions of the Habsburg Monarchy in this region as a Prince of Transylvania and a local aristocrat. This influence depended on those people who served Rákóczi as a soldier, officer, or governor of his estates. I will focus on those subjects who came from Upper-Hungary and were loyal to the Prince of Transylvania.