Holy Roman Emperors Flashcards
Maria Theresa
Wife and empress of the Holy Roman emperor Francis I (reigned 1745–65), and mother of the Holy Roman emperor Joseph II (reigned 1765–90). Upon her accession, the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48) erupted, challenging her inheritance of the Habsburg lands. This contest with Prussia was followed by two more, the Seven Years’ War (1756–63) and the War of the Bavarian Succession (1778–79), which further checked Austrian power.
Mother of Marie Antoinette.
Charlemagne
Charles I, byname Charles the Great, king of the Franks (768–814), king of the Lombards (774–814), and first emperor (800–814) of the Romans and of what was later called the Holy Roman Empire. Responsible for uniting most of Europe under his rule by power of the sword, for helping to restore the Western Roman Empire and becoming its first emperor, and for facilitating a cultural and intellectual renaissance, the ramifications of which were felt in Europe for centuries afterward.
Otto I
duke of Saxony (as Otto II, 936–961), German king (from 936), and Holy Roman emperor (962–973) who consolidated the German Reich by his suppression of rebellious vassals and his decisive victory over the Hungarians. Considered the 1st actual emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
Maximilian I
Holy Roman emperor (1493–1519) who made his family, the Habsburgs, dominant in 16th-century Europe. He added vast lands to the traditional Austrian holdings, securing the Netherlands by his own marriage, Hungarythe and Bohemia by treaty and military pressure, and Spain and the Spanish empire by the marriage of his son Philip.
Maximilian II
Maximilian II took over from his father Ferdinand I as Holy Roman Emperor. This Habsburg took a much more tolerant approach to Protestantism. He allowed the publication of Lutheran liturgy and even had Lutherans at his court. Under his reign, Protestantism co-existed among Catholicism.
Rudolf II
Maximilian II son. Rudolf overturned the tolerant policies of his predecessor. As the 16th century came to an end, Rudolf worked to rid the Habsburg lands of Protestantism. This error in judgment would lead to the devastating 30 Years’ War. This conflict would eventually divide the empire and dethrone the Habsburgs as Europe’s leading power.
Charles V
(1519-1556) HRE, also ruled Spain as Charles I
succeeded in regaining Italian territory against French
fought over Belgrade, Vienna, Hungary, etc. with Suleiman
opposed Protestant Reformation called for Council of Trent
oversaw Spanish colonization in New World
abdicated and gave power to brother Ferdinand in 1556
