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

In his conclusion, the author sought to portray the family as insignificant, yet even he could not overlook the actions of Otto von Habsburg. He did more for Europe and for reconciliation among nations than many other democratic politicians. The family’s legacy in the former lands remains secure, despite attacks from elites who depicted the monarchy as a "prison of nations." Today, it is evident that this was a lie.

The Habsburg family signed its own death warrant the moment it tied its fate to Germany. The state held its own on the battlefronts, but there was no coherent plan for how to extricate the country from the war. Wartime exhibitions could not conceal the full extent of the misery within the state. Charles attempted to change the situation at the eleventh hour, but the train had already left the station.

Franz Ferdinand could not stand the Hungarians and Serbs, he wanted to reorganize the monarchy based on the principle of trials, giving Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Croatian part. With that, he prevented the influence of Serbia and that is why he had to killed. Despite the efforts that the monarchy invested in the progress of the province. Thus the wheel of the downfall of the dynasty began to roll.

The diversity of the monarchy and its unique characteristics were both its strength and a chronic source of friction. The author—writing from a subjective, pro-Hungarian perspective—fantasizes about Zagreb as a city that only recently became Croatian. No one was ever truly satisfied, yet these issues were kept in check by the constant presence of the Emperor, who worked tirelessly to maintain the status quo.

Franz Joseph had three brothers, the most promising was Maximilian. He became the Emperor of Mexico, but despite his best efforts to introduce numerous modernization measures, he remained dependent on French aid—a reliance that ultimately cost him his life. During that era, many crowned heads lost their lives, this included Rudolf and Sisi. Yet, it was the journey to Sarajevo that would prove to be truly fateful.

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.