Battle of the Tisza(1919)
Romania victoryriver crossingriver plain, Tisza River crossings
Background
Béla Kun's Hungarian Soviet Republic launched a desperate offensive to relieve Allied-mandated demarcation lines. Romania responded by crossing the Tisza and advancing on Budapest.
Campaign: Hungarian-Romanian War 1919
Forces Engaged
Victor
Romania
Commander: Gen. Mărdarescu
Strength: 90,000
Defeated
Hungary (Red Army)
Commander: Vilmos Böhm
Strength: 40,000
The Battle
Romanian forces repelled the Hungarian attack across the Tisza, then crossed the river in a decisive counteroffensive.
“"On July 20 around 3:00 AM, after a violent bombardment, the Hungarian infantry of all three groups crossed the Tisza." — Romanian Army operational report
Casualties & Outcome
1,500
Romania
casualties
8,000
Hungary (Red Army)
casualties
~1,500 total (Romanian); ~8,000 total including prisoners (Hungarian)
Romania achieved victory over Hungary (Red Army).
Complete collapse of the Hungarian Red Army opened the road to Budapest. Béla Kun fled to Austria on August 2.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Destroyed the Hungarian Soviet Republic's last offensive capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of the Tisza?
- The Battle of the Tisza took place in 1919. Jul 20–24, 1919.
- Who won the Battle of the Tisza?
- The Romania were victorious against the Hungary (Red Army).
- What was the significance of the Battle of the Tisza?
- Destroyed the Hungarian Soviet Republic's last offensive capability.
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