Francis II Rákóczi was a Hungarian nobleman and leader of Rákóczi's War of Independence against the Habsburgs in 1703–1711 as the prince of the Estates Confederated for Liberty of the Kingdom of Hungary. He was also Prince of Transylvania, an Imperial Prince, and a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Today he is considered a national hero in Hungary.
Francis II Rákóczi (painted by Ádám Mányoki)
Image: II. Rákóczi Ferenc aláírása
The memorial plate of Francis II embedded in the northern wall of the St. Elisabeth Cathedral in Košice, Slovakia
Gyula Benczúr (1844–1920): Capture of Francis II. Rákóczi in Nagysáros Castle (1869)
Rákóczi's War of Independence
Rákóczi's War of Independence (1703–1711) was the first significant attempt to topple the rule of the Habsburgs over Hungary. The war was conducted by a group of noblemen, wealthy and high-ranking progressives and was led by Francis II Rákóczi and resigned soldiers and peasants fought alongside the noblemen. The insurrection was unsuccessful, ending with the Treaty of Szatmár; however, the Hungarian nobility managed to partially satisfy Hungarian interests.
Kuruc horsemen captured an Austrian soldier
The flag of a fighting unit in the War for Independence
Kuruc preparing to attack traveling coach and riders, c. 1705
Rákóczi statue in Budapest, Hungary
