The Habsburgs ruled a vast empire that included Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, Croatia, Slovenia, and parts of Italy, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. They were also closely connected to the Spanish royal family and ruled Spain for over two centuries. The Habsburgs were patrons of the arts and sciences and played an important role in the development of European culture and politics.
The Habsburg dynasty came to an end in 1740 with the death of Charles VI, the last male heir of the Habsburg line. His daughter, Maria Theresa, succeeded him as ruler of Austria and Hungary, but her husband, Francis I of Lorraine, was elected Holy Roman Emperor. The Lorraine dynasty continued to rule Austria and Hungary until the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918.
Here are some key facts about the Habsburg dynasty:
- The Habsburgs ruled Austria for over 600 years, from 1278 to 1918.
- The Habsburgs were elected Holy Roman Emperors for over 400 years, from 1438 to 1806.
- The Habsburgs were closely connected to the Spanish royal family and ruled Spain for over two centuries, from 1516 to 1700.
- The Habsburgs were patrons of the arts and sciences and played an important role in the development of European culture and politics.