Relations between the Transylvanian Prince György II Rákóczi and the Political Elite of the Kingdom of Hungary (1657–1658)
Abstract
In this paper, I examine the relations between Prince György II Rákóczi and the political elite of the Kingdom of Hungary in the period following the Transylvanian prince’s campaign in Poland (1657). I briefly describe the operation of the court apparatus responsible for eastern affairs and the activities of the principal Hungarian officeholders – the palatine, the archbishop of Esztergom, the judge royal, and the chancellor – together with the dynamics of their correspondence with Rákóczi in light of these events. To support this investigation, I have developed a database containing information from published sources and archival documents. Combining qualitative aspects (the intentions and interests of the Hungarian dignitaries) with quantitative analysis, the study offers answers to questions such as why the palatine and the archbishop of Esztergom did not correspond for months and through which intermediaries the correspondence was conducted. The analysis also sheds light on the political motivations that led Hungarian dignitaries either to support the prince or, at times, to oppose his policies.
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