János Pálffy
János Pálffy de Erdőd | |
|---|---|
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) |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | Habsburg monarchy |
| Branch | Imperial Army |
| Years of service | 1681–1718 |
| Rank | Field marshal |
| Commands | Cavalry forces in Upper Hungary, Imperial forces during Rákóczi's War of Independence |
| Known for | Negotiating the Treaty of Szatmár, support for the Pragmatic Sanction |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Order of the Golden Fleece |
| Relations | Miklós Pálffy (brother) |
| Other work | Palatine of Hungary, Judge royal |
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.
An accomplished military leader and diplomat during the time of Prince Eugène of Savoy, he was born into one of Hungary's richest families loyal to the House of Habsburg. He joined the Imperial Army in 1681 and rose swiftly through the ranks after distinguishing himself at battles such as Vienna, Párkány and Mohács. He played a key role in Rákóczi's War of Independence, securing victories and negotiating truces with the rebel commander. Beyond his military career, Pálffy took on important diplomatic tasks, helping to secure noble support for the Pragmatic sanction. After the war, he was elected Palatine of Hungary and became a trusted advisor to Empress Maria Theresa until his death in 1751.