János Pálffy
Johann Bernhard Stephan, Graf Pálffy de Erdőd (Hungarian: Pálffy V. János Bernard István, Croatian: Ivan Pálffy; 20 August 1664 – 24 March 1751) was a Hungarian noble, Imperial Field marshal and Palatine of Hungary.
János Pálffy de Erdőd | |
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Portrait of Count János Pálffy | |
| Birth name | János Pálffy |
| Born | 20 August 1664 Castle of Bibersburg Kingdom of Hungary (now Slovakia) |
| Died | 24 March 1751 (aged 86) Pozsony, Kingdom of Hungary (now Bratislava, Slovakia) |
| Allegiance | Habsburg monarchy |
| Service/ | Imperial Army |
| Years of service | 1681–1718 |
| Rank | Field marshal |
| Battles/wars | Great Turkish War Nine Years' War War of the Spanish Succession Austro-Turkish War (1716–1718) Austro-Turkish War (1737–1739) |
| Awards | Order of the Golden Fleece |
| Relations | Miklós Pálffy (brother) |
An accomplished military leader and diplomat at the time of Prince Eugène of Savoy, he was born in one of Hungary's richest families loyal to the House of Habsburg. Joining the Imperial Army in 1681, he rose swiftly through the ranks, fighting demonstrating courage in battles such as Vienna, Párkány, and Mohács. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Rákóczi's War of Independence, securing victories and negotiating truces with the Hungarian magnate commanding the rebel army. Beyond his military prowess, Pálffy engaged in diplomatic endeavours, convincing nobility to accept the Pragmatic sanction. Post-war, Pálffy was elected Palatine of Hungary and became a trusted advisor to Empress Maria Theresa until his death in 1751.