Emperor Karl I.

"Historic responsibility is always borne by the monarch"

Autor*innen

• Hannes Etzlstorfer

Parameter

• Geschichte
• Weltgeschichte

Mehr zum Buch

Emperor Karl I's reign marked the end of 640 years of Habsburg rule in Austria, coinciding with the conclusion of the First World War in November 1918. His ascension to the throne followed a series of tragic events, including Crown Prince Rudolf's suicide and the assassination of the heir apparent in Sarajevo in June 1914, which left Karl facing numerous threats. Despite the hopes for peace and necessary reforms in the multi-ethnic empire, he was granted less than two years to effect change after becoming emperor in November 1916. His tutor, Count Wallis, praised Karl's modesty and sense of duty, calling him a “model of a man and a father.” However, behind closed doors, Karl struggled with decisiveness and faced criticism for his hasty decisions and lack of focus. The changing perceptions of rulers further complicated his reign. After being forced to abdicate in November 1918, he clung to hopes of returning to power at Eckartsau Castle in March 1919. In 1921, he and his wife Zita attempted to regain influence in Hungary, but their efforts were thwarted by local resistance. Ultimately, Karl and his family were exiled to Madeira, where he passed away on April 1, 1922. His beatification in 2004 by the Catholic Church recognized his enduring commitment to peace, despite historical scrutiny.

• Sprache: Deutsch
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2023