Battle of Mohacs: The Fall of the Hungarian Kingdom

The transcript details the decline of Hungarian power after King Matthias, leading to the Battle of Mohatch in 1526. The Ottoman Empire, under Suleiman the Magnificent, advanced into Hungary, facing a divided and underprepared Hungarian force. Despite strategic opportunities to unite with other forces, King Louis II chose to engage the Ottomans at Mohatch, resulting in a devastating defeat. The battle led to the partition of Hungary and increased Ottoman influence in the region, setting the stage for future conflicts with the Habsburgs.

What was a significant factor in the decline of Hungarian royal power after King Matthias Corvinus's death?

• Successful military campaigns

• Economic prosperity

• Mismanagement by his successor

• Alliance with the Ottoman Empire

Why did King Louis II form an alliance with the Austrian Habsburgs?

• To counter the Ottoman threat

• To strengthen his claim to the throne

• To expand his territory

• To gain economic benefits

What was the main reason for the Hungarian army's smaller size compared to the Ottoman forces?

• Geographical constraints

• Lack of resources

• Internal conflicts and late mobilization

• Poor leadership

What strategic mistake did the Hungarian leadership make before the Battle of Mohatch?

• They failed to unite with nearby friendly forces

• They overestimated their cavalry's strength

• They chose a poor battleground

• They underestimated the Ottoman artillery

What was the composition of the Hungarian army at Mohatch?

• Mostly cavalry with few infantry

• Equal numbers of cavalry and infantry

• Predominantly infantry with little cavalry

• Only mercenaries

What was the initial success of the Hungarian cavalry during the battle?

• They forced the Ottomans to retreat

• They broke the formation of the Rumelians

• They destroyed the Ottoman artillery

• They captured the Ottoman Sultan

What was a key factor in the Ottoman victory at Mohatch?

• Superior numbers and artillery

• Better knowledge of the terrain

• Support from local Hungarian forces

• Surprise attack at night

What happened to King Louis II during the battle?

• He was captured and executed

• He was victorious

• He fled to Austria

• He drowned while fleeing

What was the immediate consequence of the Battle of Mohatch for Hungary?

• Complete independence from foreign powers

• Partition into three parts

• Economic prosperity

• Unification under a single ruler

What long-term impact did the Battle of Mohatch have on the region?

• Start of centuries of hostility between the Habsburgs and Ottomans

• Permanent peace in the Balkans

• Rise of a new Hungarian empire

• End of Ottoman influence