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Prof. Tamás Kovács, PhD
Ludovika University of Public Service, Faculty of Law Enforcement, Budapest, Hungary

 

THE SPECIAL ROLE OF THE ARMED FORCES ON MIKLÓS HORTHY’S PATH TO POWER

Vol. XLIV, 2/2026, pp. 319–336
https://doi.org/10.29362/ist20veka.2026.2.kov.319-336

 

ABSTRACT/RESUME:

By the end of the fifth year of World War I, the situation of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy had become critical. Although there were no Entente troops stationed in the territory of the Monarchy, the unresolved political and economic problems emerged, and the internal disintegration of the army had already started. The state of Austria-Hungary essentially collapsed in a matter of weeks, followed by a serious and protracted political crisis in Hungary. Under the already unfavourable foreign policy circumstances, which were sometimes further exploited by neighbouring states, the incumbent Hungarian governments made a series of miscalculated decisions. They often demonstrated a high degree of political naivety as well. After the Communist takeover (21 March 1919), several centres against the Soviet Republic were established. However, after the Communist attempt failed, right-wing politicians were unable to seize power, but Rear-Admiral Miklós Horthy, who gradually shifted towards independence, was able to organise an armed force that became known as the National Army. It is interesting that, on the one hand, Horthy was supported by Serbian and Romanian troops, and, on the other hand, over time, various Hungarian military formations essentially joined the National Army. However, the National Army and the soldiers during this period felt it was their duty to detect and punish the Communists. In addition to the fact that this would have been the task of the police according to the existing laws of the time, these actions were also accompanied by strong anti-Semitic sentiments. After Horthy was elected Governor, the military leadership lobbied hard to retain control over anti-communist political investigations. The result of this lobbying activity was the establishment and operation of the so-called “T” (information) department, whose activities were also not free of scandal. All this, of course, served as a good reason for strengthening the resolve of civilian (non-military) politicians to take the system of investigations into Communists and law enforcement in general out of the hands of the army. Horthy, who was already elected Governor, listened at this time to professional politicians rather than to the hot-headed military. Thus, as one of the final steps in the consolidation process, the military’s right to investigate political matters was abolished. The military had provided to Horthy what its “duty” was. Still, in consolidating the country, the Governor was already relying on the civilian authorities.

 

KEYWORDS: World War I, Hungarian Soviet Republic, political violence, extreme right movements

 

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