Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:11:03-3:14:17

Miklós Horthy rose through combat command and imperial trust

Horthy's cruiser command, combat record at Otranto, and reputation for reliability explain his rapid rise to command the Austro-Hungarian fleet in 1918.

Austro-Hungarian NavyBattle of the Strait of OtrantoMiklos HorthyNaval LeadershipNovaraWorld War I
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

What was Miklós Horthy's naval career before he became Regent of Hungary?

Short answer

He was a respected Austro-Hungarian officer whose command of Novara and leadership at Otranto helped propel him rapidly to fleet command in 1918.

Notes

Horthy entered the navy from the lower nobility and built a conventional professional career before World War I. He commanded the old battleship Habsburg and then the modern cruiser Novara, leading operations against the Otranto Barrage and being wounded in the major 1917 action. Emperor Charles selected him over more senior officers because he was regarded as capable and trustworthy after naval mutinies. His promotions in 1918 were exceptionally rapid, culminating in command of the fleet and vice-admiral rank as the empire collapsed.