Istvan Tisza, the son of Kalman Tiszla, the premier of Hungary (1875-1890), was born in 1861. Like his father he became leader of the Liberal Party and became premier in 1903. He lost office in 1905 but returned to power in 1913.

Tisza's main concern was with Hungary's dispute with Rumania and along with Leopold von Berchtold, argued against an immediate invasion of Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. However, Tiszla and Berchtold were over-ruled by Franz Josef and Conrad von Hotzendorf, and war was declared on 28th July, 1914.

During the First World War Tiszla was accused of putting the interests of Hungary before those of the whole Austro-Hungarian Empire. His policy of supplying home needs before releasing surpluses for imperial use made him unpopular in Vienna.

In May 1917 Tiszla was dismissed by Emperor Karl I. Istvan Tisza was assassinated by communists in Budapest on 31st October 1918.