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Franz Kuhn von KuhnenfeldAustrian Feldzeigmeister
Date of Birth: 15.07.1817
Country:  Austria |
Content:
Austrian Field Marshal
Early Life and EducationFranz von Kuhn was born into a military family in Austria. He distinguished himself at the Theresian Military Academy and joined the army in 1837.
Military Career
Kuhn fought in the Italian and Hungarian campaigns of the Revolutions of 1848-49. He later served as Chief of Staff of the 11th Army Corps in Hungary. In 1866, he commanded a section of the Italian front during the Austro-Prussian War, earning the rank of Field Marshal Lieutenant.
War Minister
Kuhn became Minister of War in 1868. He implemented reforms to dismantle the traditional defensive system on the Ottoman border. In 1873, he was promoted to Field Marshal.
Retirement and Death
In 1874, Kuhn was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces in Styria, Carinthia, and Carniola. He retired in 1888 and died of a heart condition in 1896.
Political Views
Kuhn advocated for a shift in foreign policy away from Prussia and towards an alliance with France and Russia. He opposed Austria's involvement in the Balkans, particularly the condominium with the Ottoman Empire in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Legacy
Kuhn's military reforms helped modernize the Austrian army. His political opinions, though controversial at the time, reflected the growing tensions within Austria-Hungary over foreign policy.
