The Habsburg Monarchy, 1618 - 1815

New Approaches to European History #3

by Charles W. Ingrao

This is the first accessible and comprehensive history of the early modern Habsburg monarchy to appear in any language. Professor Ingrao challenges the conventional notion of Habsburg state and society as peculiarly backward by tracing its emergence as a military and cultural power of enormous influence, with a large and growing population, progressive judicial and educational systems and a sizeable industrial base. The Habsburg monarchy was undeniably different from other European polities: geography and linguistic diversity made this inevitable, but by 1789 the Habsburg peoples were already beginnning to nurture a common, anational identity that transcended their particular cultural or historic heritage. Professor Ingrao unravels the web of social, political, economic and cultural factors that shaped the Habsburg monarchy during this period, and presents this complex story in a way that is both authoritative and accessible to non-specialists.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, European History, 18th Century, 17th Century, Hungary

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1994

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Habsburgs are one of the great ruling dynasties in history. From their medieval origins in Austria the family would eventually occupy thrones that dominated much of central and eastern Europe before a series of setbacks and political shifts brought about the end of their monarchy in 1918. Yet as Charles Ingrao argues, far too much attention is focused on the final century of the monarchy’s existence, which has the effect of distorting our understanding of it and how it survived for so long. His book, which is a survey of the monarchy from the start of the Thirty Years’ War to the end of the Napoleonic Wars, examines the factors which he sees as shaping the “distinctive course of Austrian history,” factors which he argues continued to define the development of the monarchy for the duration of its existence.

As Ingrao notes, the Habsburgs faced formidable challenges in governing their vast and diverse territories, which left them vulnerable to both local resistance and external threats. Yet he shows how the Habsburgs pragmatically turned these challenges into strengths, building an enduring empire that survived and even thrived during the early modern period. One of the foremost of these was its geographical position, which left it vulnerable to attack yet also valuable as an ally. Such alliances were the product of deft diplomacy, something the Habsburgs had to learn to master not only in dealing with the other powers of Europe but with the numerous minorities that made up their subjects. This diversity forced successive emperors to pursue consensus rather than confrontation with local elites, which left the monarchy weaker as an institution than many of its contemporaries in Europe but also served as a form of restraint in its international policy, as the monarchy was forced to avoid wars of aggression for which they would be unable to mobilize the necessary support. Their policies may not have made for the grandest of European states, but they helped the monarchy endure long after many of its contemporaries exhausted themselves through inconclusive wars.

Such an approach can run counter to preconceived notions about the Habsburg monarchy, yet Ingrao’s arguments are convincing. Through them, the Habsburg empire’s status as a great power and its survival over so many centuries become comprehensible to readers, helping them to understand not just its endurance but its long-overshadowed vitality as well. Well-written and thought-provoking, this book is an excellent introduction for anyone seeking to understand the history of the Habsburg empire and how such a seemingly unworkable state ruled so much of Europe for as long as it did.

[Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Book does not do much of providing much context or background of anything that happened outside the monarchy. They are just brought up ex nihilo until they crash into the Habsburgs and then they reaction is discussed. Most of the time I understood already what was being discussed but this wouldn’t be a book a novice to European history may want to read.

Also felt unbalanced as it provided a lot of figures on things like textile production and tax revenues, but then skimmed over huge events like the Napoleonic wars.

[Anthony Zupancic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is producing some true gems. A fantastic look at the development of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Suggests that the Habsburgs made practical decisions that gradually increased monarchical and state power throughout the dynasty. Focuses on crises near the transitions of monarchs that force the monarchy to adapt and grow: it was the successful resolution to these crises that kept the family from collapsing and modernised AH. Angle is that geopolitics/foreign policy drove domestic policies. Good stuff.

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Excellent information, but dry and disorganized.

[Angela De Maria]

INGRAO Charles. W., The Habsburg Monarchy, 1618-1815

[Martin Witchard]

I've had an interest in the Habsburgs since I read 'Iron Kingdom' (q.v.) which focused on Prussia. Will let you know when there's more to tell - just got the book today.