Second Battle of Nagyszeben (Sibiu)(1849)
Background
Bem's capture of Sibiu was the campaign's strategic climax. It gave Hungary effective control of Transylvania — but at a terrible diplomatic cost. The humiliation of Russian troops directly at Sibiu was a key factor in Tsar Nicholas I's decision to intervene with overwhelming force.
Campaign: Bem's Transylvanian Campaign 1849
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Bem feigned retreat then turned and captured Sibiu in the war's boldest maneuver. Russian garrison fled east.
The Second Battle of Nagyszeben (or Sibiu, or Hermannstadt) was a battle in the Hungarian war of Independence of 1848-1849 fought on 11 March 1849 between the Hungarian army led by the Polish General Józef Bem and the garrison of Nagyszeben, the Habsburg headquarters of Transylvania, composed by the Russian detachment led by Colonel Grigory Skariatin Austrian troops led by Lieutenant General Alois Pfersmann, and Transylvanian Saxon national guards. Before the battle, Bem managed to make the commander of the Austrian main Commander-in-Chief of Transylvania, Lieutenant General Anton Puchner think that he barricaded himself at Segesvár, while he escaped, heading to Nagyszeben. While Puchner was trying to encircle Segesvár where he thought that Bem was hiding, the latter headed through a quick march to Nagyszeben, where he defeated the Ruso-Austro-Saxon garrison led by General Skariatin, and captured the city.
Casualties & Outcome
~200 killed and wounded (Hungarian); ~500 killed, wounded, and captured (Austrian-Russian)
Hungarian Revolutionary Army achieved victory over Austrian-Russian garrison.
The fall of Sibiu — Transylvania's administrative capital — was a humiliation for both Austria and Russia. Tsar Nicholas I was reportedly furious that Russian troops had fled. The incident contributed directly to his decision to commit 200,000 troops to crush the Hungarian revolution.
Significance & Legacy
Secured Hungarian control over virtually all Transylvania. Enraged Tsar Nicholas I, leading to massive Russian intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Second Battle of Nagyszeben (Sibiu)?
- The Second Battle of Nagyszeben (Sibiu) took place in 1849. March 11, 1849.
- Who won the Second Battle of Nagyszeben (Sibiu)?
- The Hungarian Revolutionary Army were victorious against the Austrian-Russian garrison.
- What was the significance of the Second Battle of Nagyszeben (Sibiu)?
- Secured Hungarian control over virtually all Transylvania. Enraged Tsar Nicholas I, leading to massive Russian intervention.