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The Death of Franz Josef - The First World War - November 1916

Franz Josef was the Austro-Hungarian emperor. He was one of the elder statesmen of European imperialism, having been crowned Emperor in 1848, at the age of 18.

Franz Josef had lived though many changes, experiencing the revolutions of 1848 and many of the wars that ravaged Europe at that time. As a monarch he had ensured the links between Austria and Hungary, being crowned King of Hungary in 1867 in a move that appeased the Hungarians and limited opposition to the Hapsburgs from this half of the dual monarchy. His empire was huge, covering all of the modern day Austria, Hungary and most of the Balkan states and much of Italy. Over the course of his reign he saw this power dwindle. Italy gained her independence and there was increasing nationalistic feelings amongst many of the Balkan states - Serbian nationalists creating the spark that led to this war for example.

Despite the desire for freedom from the Hapsburgs it appears that Franz Josef himself was well liked by the people of his empire, their anger being directed not at him personally as was often the case when an Imperial power was opposed from within.

Following his death the Hapsburg crown passed to his grad nephew, Karl I. (Franz Josef's sons had all passed away, some in quite brutal circumstances, by this point. His heir had been Franz Ferdinand who, as you are probably aware, was assassinated in 1914. Karl was the closest male relation of Franz Josef).

To read about other significant personalities of the war click here.