The House of the Habsburgs

THE HOUSE OF THE HABSBURGS

WHO WERE THEY? A monarchy located in present-day Austria that ruled from 1526-1918.

The state was composed of many territories from the former Holy Roman Empire.

Until 1806, the head of the Habsburgs was deemed Holy Roman Emperor.

House split between “junior” and “senior” branches, each governing different territories.

THE HOUSE OF HABSBURG Through marriage, Habsburgs grow to control Germany, Spain, Austria, the Balkans, Netherlands, parts of Northern Italy, and Burgundy.

Rapid expansion brings them in to constant conflict with the Ottoman Empire on the eastern edge of their empire.

In 1521, the House splits between “senior” and “junior” branches – also known as the Spanish and Austrian branches.

King Charles V of Spain.

OTTOMAN-HABSBURG WARS

Expansion of Ottomans in to eastern territory challenges Habsburg rule.

The Siege of Vienna in 1529 pits Suleyman the Magnificent (remember him?) against King Ferdinand I of the Habsburgs.

Wars between Ottomans and Habsburgs last close to 300 years.

Battling continues between Ottomans and Habsburgs in to the 18th century until the Habsburgs turn their attention toward the Spanish War of Succession.

Naval Battle of Lipanto, 1571.

WAR OF SPANISH SUCCESSION Triggered by Charles II’s inability to procreate.

As the final king of the Habsburgs in Spain without a successor, pitting French king Louis XIV against the Habsburgs.

Ultimately results in partition of Spain in to areas controlled by rival factions, removal of the Habsburgs from the Spanish throne.

But why didn’t Charles II have an heir?

Louis XIV