Miklós Horthy: Controversial Regent of Hungary

Horthy (Hungarian: Horthy Miklós) was a Hungarian politician and military officer who served as the Regent of Hungary from 1920 to 1944. He was born on October 18, 1868, in the village of Kenderes, in what is now western Hungary.

Horthy began his military career in the Austro-Hungarian Navy during the late 19th century and later served in the Imperial and Royal Army during World War I. After the war, he became involved in politics and was appointed as the Regent of Hungary in 1920, following the death of King Karl IV.

As Regent, Horthy sought to modernize Hungary and improve its economy, but his rule was also marked by authoritarianism and suppression of political opposition. He was a vocal advocate for Hungarian nationalism and pursued an aggressive foreign policy, including the annexation of parts of Czechoslovakia and Romania.

Horthy's regime was closely aligned with Nazi Germany, and he allowed German troops to enter Hungary in 1940. However, as the war turned against Germany, Horthy began to distance himself from the Nazis and sought to negotiate a separate peace with the Allies. This led to his ousting by the Nazis in October 1944, and he was replaced by a fascist government that continued to fight alongside Germany until the end of the war.

Horthy died in exile in Brazil in 1957, but his legacy remains controversial in Hungary, with some viewing him as a national hero and others as a collaborator with the Nazis.