Mislav Kužić’s Reviews > The Habsburgs: To Rule the World > Status Update

This is the first part of the book where the author’s subjectivity comes to the fore, as he openly relativizes the Hungarian uprising and the Croatian reaction. On the other hand, however, he describes in detail the harsh response of Franz Joseph, as well as his imperial patents and decrees. Likewise, the role of Sisi is particularly emphasized, as is her "significant" contribution to the Austro-Hungarian Compromise.

Era of revolutions shook the monarchy to such an extent that it stood on brink of collapse. Initially, Ferdinand I yielded to protesters, offering signs of liberalization; however, other parts of the realm—most notably Hungary and Italy—soon rose in revolt. Radetzky pacified the latter, while he, along with Jelačić and Windischgrätz, dealt with Hungary. The rebellion was crushed, and Franz Joseph ascended to power.

The Habsburg family reached its zenith during the Congress of Vienna, which, under Metternich's leadership, shaped European relations for the following century. At that time, family members influenced matters such as the design of the Brazilian flag. Austrian Empire expanded its influence through the Lloyd shipping company and the thaler. However, the year 1848 arrived sweeping away both Metternich and the Emperor.

Censorship was not practices unique to the Habsburgs; they were also prevalent in other 18th-century European countries. At the same time, rulers concerned themselves with the modesty and health of their subjects, imposing order on prostitution and Masonic lodges. With the French Revolution, the world changed, and all attempts to introduce new ideas were nipped in the bud. Yet the seed remained, destined to burst.

The primary role of women in the Habsburg family was to bear a male heir. However, there are numerous instances where archduchesses served as governors of provinces across the German or Spanish territories. This is best exemplified by the Habsburg Netherlands, which were governed by women who lacked formal training in governance. They were familiar with multiple languages ​​or the management of family affairs.

With Enlightenment, Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II began implementing reforms such as abolishing witch trials, reorganized the bureaucracy, and introduction of compulsory education. That measures did not meet with the approval of the nobility. This was particularly true with Joseph II, because abolition of privileges and serfdom proved too radical. Cameralism was introduced without the slightest mercy.

Once the wars had ended, family members could focus on other interests that advanced knowledge across numerous fields. Thus, a zoo was established at Schönbrunn, and expeditions organized by William Bolts brought in many exotic plants and other objects that formed the core of a cabinet of curiosities—the precursor to today’s Natural History Museum. This was made possible in large part through numerous Masonic lodges.

Maria Theresa managed to emerge almost unscathed from the greatest crisis to befall family. The author effectively describes her diplomatic revolution, as well as the growth of centralization and the associated administration. On the other hand, he surprisingly downplays Turkish threat; while it may not have been as direct as in the past, it had not diminished in the slightest for her lands on the Military Frontier.

Life colonies and the mother country relied on the same factors to uphold virtue and simplicity. At the same time, the strength, grandeur, and power of the Habsburg family had to be maintained. The Burgundian style of court life contributed to the aura of mystery surrounding the ruler’s divine persona. However, a lack of sufficient kin led to the extinction of the Spanish branch of the family.

Leopold II inherited two time bombs: France and Turks. He managed to elevate his status sufficiently to rally nobles to his cause and, with their and Polish assistance, broke the Turkish siege of Vienna. He was unable to capitalize further on this success due to constant stabs in the back from France. He went to war over Spain, though with less success. He rightly executed Croatian and Hungarian nobles for treason.