For hundreds of years, Vienna served as the home base of the Habsburgs. Habsburg family holdings grew large enough to earn “dynasty” status. The Western world hasn’t seen many families rich enough to be called dynastic. How did the Habsburgs do it? Let’s pick up the story where we left off last time.
Quick Recap
Rudolf I’s big win at the Battle on the Marchfeld in 1278 can be considered to be the start of the Habsburg dynasty. After that victory, Rudolf proceeded to set up each of his sons as dukes of their own regions within the conquered lands.
Rudolf also managed to get himself named King of the Holy Roman Empire. That was a big step, but being King of the HRE didn’t mean the entire region was under his control. It meant that kings and dukes ruling regions in the realm swore allegiance to him – at least on paper.
That arrangement wasn’t good enough for Rudolf. He wanted to consolidate power throughout the entire HRE. In order to achieve that end, Rudolf planned to bring lands ruled by those kings and dukes into the family.
Rudolf Had a Plan
Rudolf’s idea was to meet with monarchs within the realm and convince them to to marry off a son or daughter to a Habsburg. The marriage would just be one part of a larger marriage contract.
As part of the marriage agreement, the newly married Habsburg couple would become heirs to the throne of whatever kingdom or duchy their parents had ruled. Whoa. Hold on a sec.
If you were a king or queen, you might think giving up the destiny of your kingdom was asking a lot. It was. That’s where some Habsburg arm-twisting came into play.
OK. It’s a Big Ask
I would imagine that if we were a fly on the wall of the Habsburg inner sanctum, overhearing marriage negotiations, we might have heard something like this…
Rudolf: “So, I hearest you want my grandson to marry your eldest daughter.”
Monarch: “No, I wouldn’t sayeth that. Whatever gaveth you that idea?”
Rudolf: “Well, because even though they knowest each other not, I’m sure they would maketh a fine couple. And their eldest son will be heir to your throne, giving you great peace of mind.”
Monarch: “Yes, that is true, but my eldest daughter is not ugly, and is bright of mind as well. Methinks she can surely maketh a fine choice of husband on her own, without our fatherly meddling.”
Rudolf: “You are quite right to point out that your daughter is indeed comely and bright of mind. However, I suggest you take charge of the matter first-hand, because if they marry, I’ll give you enough gold to fill a dozen carriages.”
Monarch – “Hmmm… You haveth my attention. Goeth on…”
Rudolf – “However, if they do not wed, my gigantic army will lay siege to your town, crush your poorly-armed forces, hang any survivors, and burn the place to the ground.”
Monarch: “Hmmm… Since you putteth it that way… what should the color scheme be for the wedding, and who should we getteth to cater the reception?”
The Habsburg Progeny Prospered
OK. We weren’t there. And clearly, some liberties have been taken with details of the negotiations. But the fact is that quite a few marriage contracts were made along those lines.
As time passed, monarchs died, leaving kingdoms to their heirs. Habsburg progeny became kings and queens of lands throughout Europe.
Rudolf’s descendants followed the same routine, some with more success than others. Some of them were even elected to be Holy Roman Emperor. That never hurt. Having the Pope in your corner had to make those arms a little easier to twist.
The next Habsburg to really crank up the marriage machine was Maximilian. If you’ve read about the ancient Habsurgs, you probably thought Rudolf and his descendants did pretty well.
You would think that until you found out about Maximillion. Maximillian made his ancestors look like amateurs.
To be continued…
Featured photo: beautiful shot of the Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace. Credit: Pedro Costa Simeao. IStock ID:1617932589
