Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21857/mwo1vc3vdy
Count Josip Šišković (1719 - 1783) - Croatian general in the Habsburg Imperial Army
Frano Stojić
orcid.org/0000-0002-6040-722X
; Glavni stožer Oružanih snaga RH, Uprava za logistiku, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Zdravko Matić
orcid.org/0000-0003-0552-9926
; Hrvatsko vojno učilište „Dr. Franjo Tuđman“ Odsjek za povijest, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to shed light on and affirm the life and work of the great military leader, Commander of Croatian origin Joseph Count Siskowitz (Josip grof Šišković) in the military-political service of the Habsburg Empire. The paper uses reliable facts determined by the method of comparison through a thorough research of books and newspapers of that time. Two documents from the National Archives of Austria in Vienna (Staatsarchiv: Geheime Rate: 1769 – 1805) were also brought in: (1) a request from Baron Siskowitz in 1770 to the co-regent Joseph II for admission to a secret council and (2) a letter of recommendation from an unnamed court aide for the same purpose. The military prowess of this warrior and military leader can be deduced from his two victories against the legendary Prussian king and military leader Frederick II the Great. The Battle of Collin (1757) and the Battle of Olomouc (1758) earned him military status, but after that, he was preoccupied with the supervision of military borders. He enjoyed the highest confidence of the Vienna Court War Council. Another proof of his greatness is that he was one of the last European dignitaries to be buried in the Cathedral of St. Vitus in Prague in 1783. However, there was also a blemish in his career as he ordered the infamous Massacre of Szekelys in 1764. In addition to his great triumphs in battle, this work specifically deals with the dark side of Siskowitz’s military-political career. Nevertheless, the
ultimate purpose of this article is to reaffirm his legacy as a military commander.
Keywords
Joseph Siskowitz; General; Count; Seven Years’ War; Szekelys; Maria Theresia; Joseph II
Hrčak ID:
288031
URI
Publication date:
22.12.2022.
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