Alfred, Fürst zu Windischgrätz

Alfred, F\u00fcrst zu Windischgr\u00e4tz (1787\u20131862) was an Austrian field marshal and a leading figure of the reactionary faction within the Habsburg empire during the 1848 revolutions. He served with distinction in the imperial army, rising to lieutenant field marshal by 1833.1

Windischgr\u00e4tz was known for his conservative views and was instrumental in suppressing revolutionary movements. He subdued Prague in June 1848 and was given supreme command of imperial troops outside Italy in October of that year. He advised Emperor Ferdinand to abdicate in favor of Francis Joseph and defended the concept of divine right. He also occupied Budapest in January 1849, driving back Hungarian rebels. However, his military leadership was considered mediocre, and disagreements with his brother-in-law, Felix, Prince zu Schwarzenberg, led to his recall in April 1849. He subsequently retired to Bohemia.1

It is important to note that there was also a grandson of the same name who served as Austrian prime minister in the 1890s and was involved in parliamentary conflicts regarding suffrage and nationality issues.2