II. Rákóczi Ferenc viszonya az erdélyi Fejedelemséghez
Prince Francis II Rákóczi’s Relationship to the Principality of Transylvania

Summary/Abstract: The Rákóczi War of Independence unfolded simultaneously on two fronts: in Hungary and in “Transylvania”. With the election of Francis II Rákóczi as prince, a new chapter began in the fate of the so-called “principality without a prince” that had existed since 1690. The goal of restoring the autonomous Principality of Transylvania to its pre-1690 status was unacceptable to the Viennese court, which declared both Hungary and Transylvania to be royal territories liberated by arms and blood. Rákóczi, who considered himself a legitimate ruler by virtue of his election and inauguration, sought to frame the Hungarian and Transylvanian causes within a broader European context. In pursuit of international recognition, he appealed not only to anti-Habsburg powers such as France and Sweden, but also – when these failed – to Russia and even the Ottoman Empire. These efforts, however, proved fruitless. Rákóczi could not realistically address Transylvania’s exclusion from the peace settlements of 1713–1714. In exile in Rodosto, he continued to uphold the idea of the “Transylvanian princely court”.

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