Austria, its rise and present power

Front matter

A. o «<v

V ^' V

L. KOSSUTH

Preface

Thr annals of the world contain no other such narrative as that of Italy. Legendary Rome, the frenzied strife with Carthage, the wild career of Hannibal, the lifelong struggles of Pompey and Caesar, the culmination of the empire into universal sovereignty, the rise of Christianity, the crumbling temples of Paganism, the sweep of Moslem armies, the surging billows of barbaric invasion, the fall of imperial Rome, the gloom and chaos of the dark ages, the struggle of the great monarchies of Europe to grasp the fragments of the empire, the amazing campaigns of Napoleon I., the triumph of the allies, the new dismemberment of Italy, the campaigns of Magenta and Solferino, and the recent re-establishment of Rome as the capital of re-united Italy, — all these conspire in furnishing historical records, which, in interest and instruction, are without a parallel.

The materials from which to gather information upon these poinw are inexhaustible. Those upon which the author has mainly relied are the works of Niebuhr, Arnold, Schmidt, Livy, Tacitus, Plutarch, Guicciardini, Sforzozi, Botta, Luigi Bosri, Sismondi, Percival, Spaulding, Gibbon, Robertson, Thiers, Alison, Julie de Marguerites, together with reviews and encyclopaedias upon important characters and events. The author has spared no pains to attain all possible accuracy, having devoted to the most important events here recorded the studie'^ of many years. Where there has been discrepancy of auliwrities, ne has adopted tba* statement, whioh, after tne most oarefiii eonsiderEtion, has ajxpearea to him best authenticated.

^ PREFACE.

It is affecting to observe in the history of Germany, through what woes humanity has passed in attainkig even its present position of civilization. It is to be hoped that the human family may never again suffer what it has already endured. We shall be indeed insane if we do not gain some wisdom from the struggles and the calamities of those who have gone before us. The narrative of the career of the Austrian Empire, must, by contrast, excite emotions of gratitude in every American bosom. Our lines have fallen to us in pleasant places ; we have a goodly heritage.

It is the author's intention soon to issue, as the second of this series, the History of the Empire of Russia.

JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.

Bbunswiok, Mauae, 1869.

Chapter I. Ehodolph Of Hap8bueo

BAWK'8 CA8TI.B.-ALBKET, CoUNT OF HaPSBUUO.-KHODOLPH OF L ^^^^^'-^^ f.KBTHONOK.-A CONKKDKRAOT OF BaBO.S.-ThKIB EoUTB-EhOPOLPH fl

Chapter II

EEIGNS OF ALBERT I., FREDERIC, ALBERT. AND OTHO.

A^BOBOTKS OF RH0D0LPH.-HX8 DKSXBK FOR THK ElKOTXON «^/^ f ^^"^ DkATXX.-AlBEKT.-Hx8 UnPOPXILARXTT-CoNSPXRAOY of the N0BLK8.-THBm

P08XTX0N OF AD0LPHU8 AND ElEOTXON OF AlBERT.-DeaTH OF AdOLPHUS -ThB

Pope Defxed.-Annexatxon of Bohemxa.-Assassxnation of Albki^t.-Avenomo Fxtrt.-The Hebmxt's Dxreotxon.-Frbderio the Hakd80me.-Eleotion OF Henry, Count of Luxembxiro.-Hx8 Dkath.-Eleotxon of LO018 of Bava- EiA -Capture of Frederxc-Remabkable Confxdenoe toward a Prxsonbb. -Death of Fbedebxo.-An early Engagement.-Death of Louxs.-Accessioh

OF AliBBBT

Chapter III

BHOIiOLPH II., ALBERT IV. AND ALBERT V.

Bhodolph IL-Marriage of John to Margaret.-Intriguing for the Tybol.-

Dbath of RHODOLPH.-A00E88ION OF Power to Austria.-Dxvxdxng the Em-

PIEB.-DELIGHT of THE Emperoe Charle8.-Leopold.-Hi6 Ambxtxon and Suo.

-Hbdwige, Queen of Poland.-" The Course of true Love never did

S4

WXKKBLBEIB.-DEATH OF LeOPOLD.-DbATH OF ALBERT IV.-AOOE88ION OF Al. BKBT Y.-ATTEMPT8 OF 81GI8MOND TO BEQUEATH TO AlBBBT V. HUNGABY AND

BOHBMIA "

1*

VJli CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IT.

AlLbert, ladislaus and peedebio.

FAOI

Ikoebasing Honors op Albert V. — Enoroaohments of the Turks.— The Chbis-

TLAN8 EoUTBD. — TERROR OF THE HUNGARIANS. — DeATH OF ALBERT. — MAGNANI- MOUS Conduct of Albert op Bavaria. — Internal Troubles.— Precocity op Ladislaus. — Fortifications raised by the Turks. — John Capistrun. — Rbsoub of Belgrade.- The Turks Dispersed.— Exultation over the Victory.— Death of Hunniades. — Jealcusy of Ladislaus. — His Death. — Brotherly Quarrels. — Devastations by the Turks. — Invasion op Austria. — Repeal of THE Compromise. — The Emperor a Fugitive 63

Chapter V

THE EMPERORS FREDERIC II. AND MAXIMILIAN t

From 1477 to 1500.

Wanderings of the Emperor Frederic. — Proposed Alliance -with the Dukb OF Burgundy. — Mutual Distrust. — Marriage of Mary. — The Age op Chivalry.— The Motive inducing the Lord of Praunstein to declare War.— Death of Frederic II. — The Emperor's Secret. — Designs of the Turks.— Death of Mahomet II.— First Establishment op Standing Armies.— Use of Gunpowder. — Energy of Maximilian. — French Aggressions. — The League TO EXPEL the French. — Disappointments of Maximilian. — Bribing the Pope, Invasion of Italy. — Capture and Recapture.- The Chevalier dk Bayard.

CHAPTER YI.

MAXIMILIAN I.

From 1500 to 1519.

Bask Treachery op the Swiss Soldiers.- Perfidy of Ferdinand op Arragon. -Appeals by Superstition.- Coalition with Spain. — The League of Cambray. — Infamy OF THE Pope. — The King's Apology. — Failure of the Plot. — Germany aroused. — Confidence op Maximilian. — Longings for the Pontifical Chair. — Maximilian Bribed. — Leo X.— Dawning Prosperity. — Matrimonial Projects. — Commencement of the War of Reformation. — Sickness OF Maximilian. — His last Directions. — His Death. — The Standard by 'vthiob HIS Character is to be Judged

Chapter VII

CHARLES V. AND THE REFORMATION.

Orablbs V. of Spain.— His Election as Emperor op Germany.- His Cobona-

TION. — Thb First Constitution. — Progress of the Reformation.— The Popb's

Hull against Luther. — His Contempt for his Holiness. — The Diet at

Worms. — Frederic's Objection to the Condemnatt'^n of Luther by the Diet,

CONTENTS. n

PAaa

— H> OBTAINS FOB LtTTHBB THB RiQHT OF DEFENSE. — LtTTHBR'S TEIUlfPHAI.

Mabch to the Tribunal.— Chaeles ueqed to Violate his Safe Conduct.— Lttthee's Patmos. — Makeiaqe of Sister Catharine Bora to Luthee. — Terrible Insurrection. —The Holy League. — ^The Protest of Spires.— Confession OF Augsburg. — The Two Confessions.- Compulsobt Measures 106

CHAPTER YIII.

CHARLES V. AND THE REFORMATION.

From 1531 to 1552.

Detbbmination to crush Protestantism.— Incursion of the Turks. — Valob of THE Protestants.— Preparations for renewed Hostilities. — Augmentation OF THE Protestant Forces.- The Council of Trent.— Mutual Consternation.— Defeat of the Protestant Army.— Unlooked-for Succor. — Revolt in the Emperor's Army. — The Fluctuations of Fortune. — Ignoble Revenge. — Capture op Wittembekg. — Protestantism apparently crushed, — Plot against Charles. — Maurice of Saxony. — A Change of Scene. — The Biter BIT— Thb Emperor humbled. — His Flight.— His determined Will 121

Chapter IX

CHARLES V. AND THE TURKISH WARS From 1552 to 1555.

The Treaty of Passau. — The Emperor yields. — His continued Reverses. — ^Thb Toleeation Compromise. — Mutual Dissatisfaction. — Remarkable Despondency of the Emperor Charles. — His Address to the Convention at Brussels -The Convent of St. Justus. — Charles returns to Spain. — His Convent

Life. — The Mock Burial. — His Death. — His Traits of Character. — The King's Compliment to Titian. — The Condition of Austria. — Rapid Advanob OF the Turks.— Reasons for the Inaction of the Christians. — The Sultan's Method of Overcoming Difficulties. — The little Fortress of Guntz. — What it accomplished 186

Chapter X. Ferdinand I— His Wars And Inteiques

From 1555 to 1562.

John of Tapoli.— The Instability of Compacts.— The Sultan's Dbmandb.— A Eeign of War. — Powers and Duties of the Monarohs of Bohemia. — The Diet.— The King's Desire to crush Protestantism. — The Entrance to Prague. — Terror of the Inhabitants. — The King's Conditions. — The Bloody Diet.— Disciplinary Measures. — The establishment of the Order OF Jesuits. — Abdication of Charles V. in Favor of Ferdinand. — Power op the Pope. — Paul IV. — A quiet but powerful Blow. — The Progress of the Reformers. — Attempts to reconcile the Protestants. — The un8ucct:ssful Assembly 15:

C SONTENTS

Chapter XI. Death Of Feedinand L— Accession Of Maximilian H

HOT ABJimiNa THB Oatholio Faith. — Religious Steife in Etteopb. — Maximilian's Address to Chablbs IX. — Mutital Tolebation. — Eomantio Pastime op Wab. — Hbboism of Nicholas, Count of Zbini. — Accession of Powkb to Au»- TWA.— AooBssioN OF Bhooolph III.— Dbath of Maximiliam 166

Chapter XII. Ohabacteb Op Maximilian.— Succession Of Ehodoiph Iil

From 1576 to 1604.

Chabaoteb of Maximilian.— His Accomplishments. — His Wife. — Fate of his Chlldren. — Ehodolph III.— The Liberty of "Worship.— Means of Emancipation. — Ehodolph's Attempts against Protestantism. — Declaration of a higher Law. — Theological Differences. — The Confederacy at Hbilbbun. —The Gregorian Calendar.— Intolerance in Bohemia.— The Trap of the Monks.— Invasion of the Turks.— Thbie Defeat. — Coalition with Sigismoni —Sale of Transylvania. — Eule of Basta. — Thb Empire captured and be captured. — Devastation of thb Country.— Treatment of Stephen Botsk<X

Chapter XIII

EHODOLPH HI. AND MATTHIAS.

From 1604 to 1609.

BoTSKOi^ Manifesto. — Horrible Suffering in Transylvania. — Chabaoteb op BoTSKOi. — Confidence of the Protestants.— Superstition of Ehodolph. — His Mystic Studies.— Acquirements of Matthias.— Soukmes of Matthias.— His increasing Power.- Treaty with the Turks.— Demands on Ehodolph.-— The Compromise. — Perfidy of Matthias. — The Margravite, — Fillibusterino. —The People's Diet. — A Hint to Royalty.— The Bloodless Triumph.— Demands of the Obbhans. — ^Address of the Peinob of Anhalt to the Kino. .... 181

Chapter XIV

BHODOLPH III. AND MATTHIAS.

From 1609 to 1612.

Ddtiovltibs as to thb Suoobssion.— HoeTiLiTY OF Hbnbt IV. to the Hovsb ow AuBTBLA.— Assassination of Henry IV.— Simu^ritt in Sully's and Napoleon's Plans.— Exiri.TATiON of thb Catholics.— The Brother's Compaoi.— How Ehodolph kept it.— SEiztrRB of Prague.— Ehodolph a Prisoneb.— Thb

CONTENTS. n

PAOB

Slnra^ Abdication. — Conditions attached to thb Ceown.— Ragb of Ruo- DOLPH. — Matthias elected King. — The Emperor's Residence. — Rejoiclnss of the Protestants. — Reply op the Ambassadors. — The Nuremberg Diet. — Thb unkindest Cut op all.— Rhodolph's Humiliation ahd Death 218

Chapter XV. Matthias

From 1612 to 1619.

Matthias elected Emperor of Germany. — His despotic Chabactteb. — His Plans thwarted. — Mulheim. — Gathering Clouds. — Family Intrigub. — Coronation of Ferdinand.— His Bigotry.— Henry, Coun':: of Thurn.— Convention AT Prague. — The King's Reply.— The Die oast. — Amusing Defense of AN Outrage. — Ferdinand's Manifesto. — Seizure op Cardinal Klesis. — The King's Rage. — Retreat of the King'b Troops.- Humiliation op Ferdinand. —Thb Difficulties referred. — Death of Matthias. ... . . . . .... ...

Chapter XVI. Ferdinand II

Possessions of thb Emperor. — Power of the Protestants op Bohemia. — Oen-

BRAL Spirit op Insurrection. — Anxiety op Ferdinand. — Insurrection led bt

Count Thurn. — Unpopularity of the Emperor. — Affecting Declaration op

THE Emperor. — Insurrection in Vienna. — The Arrival of Succor. — Ferdi

NAND seeks the IMPERIAL ThBONE. — REPUDIATED BY BOHEMIA. — ThE PaLATLN-

ate. — Frederic offered thb Crown of Bohemia. — Frederic crowned. — Revolt in Hungary. — Desperate Condition of the Emperor. — Catholic League. — The Calvinists and the Puevtans. — Duplicity of the Empeeob.— FoEEiGN Combinations. — Truce between the Catholics and thb Pbotbst- ANTS. — ^Thb Attack upon Bohemia. — Battle of the Whitb Mountaik

Chapter XVII. Ferdinand II

Fbom 1621 to 1629.

Potillanimity op Feederic. — Intebaties op the Citizens op Pbaoith.— Shaih- Fux Flight of Fbedeeic. — Vengeance inflicted upon Bohemia.— Peotbbtantism and civil Freedom. — Vast Power of the Emperor.— Alarm op En- BOPE. — James I. — Treaty of Marriage for the Prince of Wales. — Cabdinal Richelieu. — New League of the Protestants.- Desolating War.— Defeat of the King op Denmark. — Energy of Wallenstein. — Triumph op Ferdinand. — New Acts of Intolerance. — Severities in Bohemia. — Desolation of THE Kingdom. — Dissatisfaction of the Duke of Bavaeia.— Meeting op thb Catholic Princes. — The Empeeob Humbled

SJi COKTENTB.

Chapter XVIII

PEEDINAND II. AND QU8TAVUS AD0LPHD8.

From 1629 to 1682.

PAQI

Vexation of Ferdinand. — Gustavus Adolphus.— Address to the Nobles op Sweden. — March of Gustavus. — Appeal to the Protestants. — Magdeburg JOINS Gustavus.— Destruction of the City. — Consternation of the Protestants. — Exultation of the Catholics. — The Elector of Saxony driven from his Domains. — Battle of LEiPbio. — The Swedes penetrate Bohemia.— Freedom of Conscience established. — Death of Tilly. — The Retirement of Wallenstein. — The Command resumed by Wallenstein. — Capture of Prague, — Encounter between Wallenstein and Gustavos.— Battle of Lutzbn. — Death of Gusta vus 879

Chapter XIX

FERDINAND II., FERDINAND III. AND LEOPOLD 1.

From 1632 to 1662.

Character of Gustavus Adolphus. — Exultation of the Imperialists. — Disgrace of Wallenstein. — He offers to surrender to the Swedish General. —His Assassination.— Ferdinand's Son elected as his Successor.— Death op Ferdinand.— Close of the War. — Abdication of Christina. — Charles Gustavus.— Preparations for War. — Death of Ferdinand III. — Leopold elected Empeeob. — Hostilities Renewed. — Death op Charles Gustavus.— dibt convened. — invasion of the turks 295

Chapter XX. Leopold I

From 1662 to 1697.

Invasion op the Turks. — A Treaty concluded. — Possessions of Leopold. — In- VASiON OF the French. — League op Augsburg. — Devastation of the Palati» NATE.— Invasion of Hungary.— Emeric Tekeli.— Union of Emerio Tekeli WITH THE Turks. — Leovold applies to 8obieski. — He immediately marches TO HIS Aid. — The Turks conquered. — Sobikski's triumphal Receptions. — Meanness op Leopold.— Revenge upon Hungary. — Peace concluded. — Contest FOR Spain .311

Chapter XXI

LEOPOLD I. AND THE SPANISH 8U0CEBSI0N

The Spanish Succession.— The Impotence of Charles II.— Appeal to the Pops.

— HiB Decision. — Death of Charles II. — Accession of Philip V. — Indigna-

.lON of AUSTRIA. — The Outbreak of War. — Charles III. crowned. — Insub-

BBOTioN IN Hungary. — Defection of Bavaria. — The Battle of BLEKHBn*.—

CONTENTS. ^*"

Dkath of Leopold I.-Elkonoea-Aockssion of Joseph I-<^^^^J« J"* ^J

8WBDKN.-CHAKLE8 III. OF SpAIN.-BATTLK OF M ALPLAQTTBT.-OHABLKS AT ^^

Babobix>na.—Chables AT Madrid

Chapter XXII

JOSEPH I. AND CHARLES VI.

From 1710 to 1717.

PBBPLBXITIB8 IN MaBBID.-FliOHT OF ChakLES.-RktrBAT OF THK AUBTEIAH

AbMT.-StANHOPE'S DIVISION OUT OFF.-CAPTtTEE OF StANHOPB.-StABEMBB^ A88AII.KD.-EETKKAT TO BaKCELONA.-AtTEMPT TO PACIFY ^^^^^^^-J^^^J^^^* eXEIAN DIET.-BAKONIAL CKOWNING OF RaGOTSKY.-RkXEWAL OF THE HlTNOA. EIAN WaB-ENTERPUISK OK HeKBEVILLE.-ThE HUNOA RIAN8 CBUSHED.-LEMTT 0PJ08EPH.-DEATH OF JOSEPH.-ACCESSIOX OF ChAKLES VI.-H18 CAKEEB I.

BPAiN.-CAPTUBE OK Bakce.o.a.-Thk Sikgk.-The Rescuk-Chabacteb of

CHARLE9.-CLOISTER3 OF MONTSKRBAT.-INCBEASBD EfFOBTS FOB THE SPANISH CB0WN.-CHAKLE8 OROWNED EmPEROB OF AUSTBIA AND HxTNGABY.-BOHEMIA.- ^

Dbplobablb Condition of Louis XIV

Chapter XXIII. Charles VI

TITBK8.-POS8E89ION8 OF CHARLE8 VI.-ThB ElEOTOB OF HANOVEB BTTCOBBDS TO

THE English Throne.-Pbeparations fob Wab.-State of Italy.-Philip V. OF Spain-Diplomatic Agitation8.-Palace of St. Ildefonso.-Obdeb of ifflt

GOLDEl. FLEB0E.-REJECTION OF MaBIA ANNE.-CONTEST FOB THE RoOK OF GlB- EALTAB.-DIBMIS8AL OF RIPPBBD A.-TBBATY OF ViENNA.-PBAOB OONOLITDBD. . . .

Chapter XXIV

OHAKLUS VI. AND THE POLISH WAR.

(UHDIKAL FlEITBY.-THB EmPEBOB of AIT8TBIA URGES THK Pkagmatio S^otimi. ^B PBOMI8E8 HI8 TWO DAUGHTBB8 TO THE TWO SON« OK THE QuEEN OF SPAm^

-Fbancb, England and Spain unite against Au8tria.-0harle8 VL »8r»

0BDEB9 TO PBEPABE FOB WaB.-HiS PeBPLEXITIES.-SECRET OvERTHBE8 TO^

«^Ld-The Crown of Poland-Meeting of the Polish Congre88.-8taki9.

tiroOESTO POLAND-AUGHSTHB IIL 0B0WNED.-WaB.-ChARLE8 8BND8J^ MM. TO LOMBARDY.-DIFFICULTIF^ OF PRINCE EuGENE. -ChARLES'S DiSPLBAS- CBB WITH ENGLAND.-LErrEB TO COTTNT KlN8KY.-H08TrLITIE8 BENEWBD W8

£3^ 00 K TENTS.

CHAPTER XXY. 0HABLE8 VI. AND THE TURKISH WAR KENBWED.

PAOB

BAINE.— DiSTEACTION OF THE EmPKKOR.— TuSOANT ASSIGNED TO THE DUKB OP

LoBEAiNE. — Death of Eugene. — Rising Geeatness of Eussia. — New Wab iiviTH the Turks.— Condition of the Army.— Commencement of Hostilities*—

OaPTUEE of NiSSA.— iNEFPtOIENT CAMPAIGN. — DlSQBAOK OF SeCKENDOBF.— ThB

Duke of Loeeaine placed in Command.— Siege of Oesova. — Belgbade bb- 8iB*?ZD BY the Turks.— The thied Campaign.— Battle of Cbotzka. — Defeat

OP THB AuSTEIANS. — CONSTERNATION IN ViENNA. — BaBBABISM OP THK TUBKa. —

Thb Subbendeb OF Belgrade 804

CHAPTER X XVI.

MARIA THERESA.

From 1789 to 1741.

AjreuiSH OP THB Kino. — ^Letteb to the Queen of Russia.— The imperial CiBor-

LAB. — DePLOEABLE CONDITION OF AUSTKIA. — DeATH OF ChABLES VI. — A00BS>

SIGN OF Maeia Theeesa.— Vigorous Measures of the Queen. — Claim of the Duke of Bavaeia. — Responses feom the Courts. — Coldnes" of the French Court.— Feedebio of Prussia. — His Invasion of Silesia. — March of the Austbiaj<8.— Battle of Molnitz. — Firmness of Maeia Theresa. — Proposed Division OP Plundbb. — Villainy op Fbedebic— Inteeview with thb King. — Ghab

▲0TB3 of FbBDBEIO.— COMMBNOEMBNT of THB GBNEBAL INVASION 411

CHAPTER XXVII.

MARIA THERESA.

From 1741 to 1748.

Ohabacteb op Francis, Duke of Lorraine. — Policy of European Courts. — Pla w op the Allies. — Siege of Peague. — Despeeath Condition of the Queen — H«EB Coronation in Hungary.— Enthusiasm of the Barons. — Speech of Maria TirERESA.— Peace with Frederic of Prussia.— His Duplicity.— Military Movement of the Duke ofLorbaine. — Battle of Chazleau.— Second Treaty wiT^ Frederic. — Despondencv of the Duke of Bavakia. — March of Mallb- Bow -Extraordinary Retreat op Belleisle.— Recovery of PBAauB by thb

QlTBEN 4Sn

CHAPTER XXVIIIi.

MARIA THERESA.

Feom 1748 to 1748.

PBOAPBBOVa AsPBorr of Austrian Affairs.— Capture opEoba.— Vast Extbrto* Austria. -DrsPTrrB with Sardinia.— Mareiage of Charles op Lobbainb witb

CJ0FTENT8. T9

VII.— Venality of the old Monarchies.— Battle of Hohenfeietberg, Snt

Thomas Robinson's Intebview with Maria Theeesa.— Httngaeian Enthusiasm. — The Duke of Lobbaenb elected Empeeob. — Continuation of the Wab. —Tbbaty of Pbaob. — Indignation of Mabia Thbbbsa 441

CHAPTER XXIX.

MABiA THERESA.

From 1748 to 1759. rBBATT of Pbaob.— Dissatisfaction of Maria Theresa.— Pbbpabatioh won War.— Rupttrb between England and Attstkia.— Maria Theresa.— Av LiANOE with France. — Influence of Mabchioness of Pompadour. — Bittbb Reproaches between Austria and England. — Commencement of the Seven Years' War.— Energy of Frederic op Pkussia.— Sanguinaky Battles.— Vicissitudes of War.— Despebatb Situation of Prederi*. — Elation of Mabia Theresa. — Hbe ambitious Plans. — Awful Defeat of the Pbussians ai Bbbun

CHAPTER XXX.

MARIA THER28A.

From 1759 to 1780.

DBBOIJk.TION6 OF WaE.— DISASTERS OF PeUSSIA.— DkSPONDBNCY OF FbBDEBIO.<->

Death of the Empress Elizabeth. — Accession of Paul III.— Assassination OF Paul III. — Accession of Catharine, — Discomfiture op the Austeians. — Treaty of Peace. — Election of Joseph to the Tueone of the Empire. — Death OF Francis. — Character of Francis. — Anecdotes.- Energy of Mabia Theeesa. -Poniatowskl—Pabtition op Poland. — Maria Theeesa as a Mothbb. — Wae with Bavaria.— Peace. — Death of Maria Theresa. — Family op the Bhpbess.— Aoobssion of Joseph II.— His Ch abaotbb 478

CHAPTER XXXI.

JOSEPH II. AND LEOPOLD II.

From 1780 to 1792.

Aoobssion OF Joseph II. — His Plans op Refobm.— Pius VI. — Emanoipation ov THE Sebfs. — Joseph's Visit to his Sisteb, Mabia Antoinette. — Ambitious Dbsigns.— The Imperial Sleigh Ride. — Barges on the Dneister.- Exoub8IO» to the Cbimba. — Wab with Turkey. — Defeat of the Austeians. — ©beat 8uo- 0BS8E8. — Death op Joseph. — His Chabacteb. — Accession of Leopold II. — Hu

EfFOETSTO CONFIBM DESPOTISM.— ThB FbENCH REVOLUTION. — EUROPEAN COALI- TION. — Death of Leopold. — His Profligacy.— Accession op Fbanois II.— Pbbs- KNT Extent and Powbb of Aubtbia. — Its Abht. — Pouor of the Oovkbn-

XVi CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXII.

AUSTRIA AND T II K 1-' ii K N C H li K V O L U T I O N S. Feom 1792 TO 1860.

AOOBSSION OP FBAN018 II.— CAMPAIGNS AGATNST NAPOLEON. — THE ITALIAN RE-

ptTBLios. — The Kingdom of Italy. — Hostilttt of England to the Feenoh Revolution.— The Downfall of Napoleon, and Consequent Downfall of Fbee Institutions thboughout Europe.- The Congkess of Vienna. — Expulsion OF theBoukbons fbom Fkance. — Restoration of the Empiee under Louis Napoleon.— Revolutions throughout Europe. — Hungarian Revolution.— Russian iNTERVEN-noN.- Fall of HUNQAET.— Liberation op Italy.— Pbbsent Prospects g(^

APPEN"DIX.

THE NEW CONSTITUTION, AND SEPARATION FROM GERMANT.

The Reichsrath tbansformed into a National Legislature. — Thb " Path op Constitutionalism." — Jealousy between Austria and Prussia. — War with Denmark. — Quarrel between Austria and Prussia about Schleswig-Holstein.— Alliance between Prussia and Italy. —The Six Weeks' War and Sadowa. — Italy gains Vene- TiA. — Austria loses her Place in Germany. —The Path op Constitutionalism ONCB MORE. — Reconciliation op Hun oabt. — Bosnia and HBBZ>«K>yiNiA , 636

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

AUSTRIA

Frontispiece — K os suth The Quay, Vienna Franz Joseph Elizabeth Bridge

THE EMPIRE OF AUSTRIA.

Chapter I Rhodolph Of Hapsbur©

From 1282 to 1291,

Ea.we*s Oastlb. — Albert, Count of Hapsbitrg.— Ehodolph op Hapsbtteo. — "Bib Mabbiage and Estates. — Excommunication and its Results. — His Pbinoiplbs OP Honor. — A Confederacy of Barons. — Their Eoutb. — Rhodolph's Electiom AS Emperob of Germany.— The Bishop's Warning.— Dissatisfaction at thh Result of the Election.— Advantages accruing from the Possession of an interesting Family. — Conquest. — Ottocab acknowledges the Emperor; ybt bbbaks his Oath of Allegiance. — Gathering Clouds. — Wonderful Escape. — Victory op Rhodolph. — His Reforms.

TN the small canton of Aargau, in Switzerland, on a rocky -*- bluff of the Wulpelsberg, there still remains an old baronial castle, called Hapsburg, or Hawk's Castle. It was reared in the eleventh century, and was occupied by a succession of warlike barons, who have left nothing to distinguish themselves from the feudal lords whose castles, at that period, frowned upon almost every eminence of Europe. In the year 1232 this castle was occupied by Albert, fourth Count of Hapsburg. He had acquired some little reputation for military prowess, the only reputation any one could acquire in that dark age, and became ambitious of winning new laurels in the war with the infidels in the holy land. Religious fanaticism and military ambition were then the two great powers which ruled the human soul.

With the usual display of semi-barbaric pomp, Albert madtj arrangements to leave his castle to engage in the perilous holy war against the Saracens, from which few ever returned, A few years were employed in the necessary preparations. /It the sound of the bugle the portcullis was raised, the drawls bridge si)anned the moat, and Albert, at the head of Uiirly steel-clad warriors, with nodding plumes, and banners unftirled, emerged from the castle, and proceeded to the neighboring convent of Mari. His wife, Hedwige, and their three sons, Rhodolph, Albert and Hartman, accompanied him to the chapel where the ecclesiastics awaited his arrival. A multitude of vassals crowded around to witness the imposing ceremonies of the church, as the banners were blessed and the knights, after having received the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, were commended to the protection of God. Albert felt the solemnity of the hour, and in solemn tonee gave his farewell address to his children.

"My sons," said the steel-clad warrior, "cultivate truth and piety; give no ear to evil counselors, never engage in unnecessary war, but when you are involved in war be strong and brave. Love peace even better than your own personal interests. Remember that the counts of Hapsburg did not attain their heights of reputation and glory by fraud, insolence or selfishness, but by courage and devotion to the public weal. As long as you follow their footsteps, you will not only retain, but augment, the possessions and dignities of your illustrious ancestors."

The tears and sobs of his wife and family interrupted him while he uttered these parting words. The bugles then sounded. The knights mounted their horses ; the clatter of hoofs was heard, and the ghttering cavalcade soon disappeared in the forest. Albert had left his ancestral castle, never to return. He had but just arrived in Palestme, when he was taken sick at Askalon, and died in the year 1240.

Rhodolph, his eldest son, was twenty-two years of age at the time of his father's death. Frederic II., one of the most renowned monarchs of the middle ages, was then Emperor oi that congl( meration of heterogeneous States called Germany. Each of these States had its own independent ruler and laws, but they were all held together by a common bond for mutual

RHODOLPH OP HAPSBURG. \9

protection, and some one illustrious sovereign was chosen aa Emperor of Germany, to preside over their common aft'airs. riie Emperor of Germany, having influence over all these States, was consequently, in position, the great man of the age.

Albert, Count of Hapsburs^, had been one of the favorite captains of Frederic II. in the numerous wars which desolated Europe in that dark age. He was often at court, and the emperor even condescended to present his son Rhodolph at the font for baptism. As the child grew, he was trained to aU athletic feats, riding ungovernable horses, throwing the javelin, wrestling, running, and fencing. He early gave indications of surprising mental and bodily vigor, and, at an age when most lads are considered merely children, he accompanied his father to the camp and to the court. Upon the death of his father, Rhodolph inherited the ancestral castle, and the moderate possessions of a Swiss baron. He was surrounded by barons of far greater wealth and power than himself, and his proud spirit was roused, in disregard of his father's counsels, to aggrandize his fortunes by force of arms, the only way then by which wealth and power could be attained. He exhausted his revenues by maintaining a princely establishment, organized a well-selected band of his vassals into a military corps, which he drilled to a state of perfect discipline, and then commenced a series of incursions upon his neighbors. From some feeble barons he won territory, thus extending his domains ; from others he extorted money, thus enabling him to reward his troops, and to add to their number by engaging fearless spirits in his service wherever he could find them.

In the year 1245, Rhodolph strengthened himself still more by an advantageous marriage with Gertrude, the beautiful daughter of the Count of Hohenberg. With his bride he received as her dowry the castle of Oeltingen, and very considerable territorial possessions. Thus in five years Rhodolph, by that species of robbery which was then called heroic ad-

20 THB noT-«;Tr of Austria,

vent ire, and by a fortunate marriage, had more than doubled his jereditary inheritance. The charms of his bride, and the care of his estates seem for a few years to have arrested the progress of his ambition ; for we can find no further notice ol him among the ancient chronicles for eight years. But, with almost all men, love is an ephemeral passion, which is eventually vanquished by other powers of the soul. Ambition slumbered for a little time, but was soon roused anew, invigorated by repose.

In 1253 we find Rhodolph heading a foray of steel-clad Knights, with their banded followers, in a midnight attack upon the city of Basle. They break over all the defenses, sweep all opposition before them, and in the fury of the fight, either by accident or as a necessity of war, sacrilegiously set fire to a nunnery. For this crime Rhodolph was excommunicated by the pope. Excommunication was then no farce. There were few who dared to serve a prince upon whom the denunciations of the Church had fallen. It was a stunning blow, from which few men could recover. Rhodolph, instead of sinking in despair, endeavored, by new acts of obedience and devotion to the Church, to obtain the revocation of the sentence.

In the region now called Prussia, there was then a barbaric pagan race, against whom the pope had published a crusade. Into this war the excommunicated Rhodolph plunged with all the impetuosity of his nature ; he resolved to work out absolution, by converting, with all the potency of fire and sword, the barbarians to the Church. Ilis penitence and zeal seem to have been accepted, for we soon find him on good terms again with the pope. He now sought to have a hand in every quarrel, far and near. Wherever the sounds of war are raised, the shout of Rhodolph is heard urging to the strife. In every hot and fiery foray, the steed of Rhodolph is rearing and plunging, and his saber strokes fall in ringing blows upon cuirass and helmet. He efficiently aided the city of Strasp. H O D O L P H OF H A P S B U R a . 21

bourg in their wor against their hishop, and received fi*om them in gratitude extensive territories, whDe at the same time they reared a monument to his name, portions of which still exist. His younger brother died, leaving an only daughter, Anne, with a large inheritance. Rhodolph, as her guardian, came into possession of the counties of Kyburg, Lentzburg and Baden, and other scattered domains.

This rapidly-increasing wealth and power, did but increase his energy and his spirit of encroachment. And yet he adopted principles of honor which were far from common in that age of barbaric violence. He would never stoop to ordinary robbery, or harass peasants and helpless travelers, as was constantly done by the turbulent barons around him. His warfare was against the castle, never against the cottage. He met in arms the panoplied knight, never the timid and crouching peasant. He swept the roads of the banditti by which they were infested, and often espoused the cause of citizens and freemen against the turbulent barons and haughty prelates. He thus gained a wide-spread reputation for justice, as well as for pi'owess, and the name of Rhodolph of Hapsburg was ascending fast into renown. Every post of authority then required the agency of a military arm. The feeble cantons would seek the protection of a powerful chief; the citizens of a wealthy town, ever liable to be robbed by bishop or baron, looked around for some warrior who had invincible troops at his command for their protection. Thus Rhodolph of Hapsburg was chosen chief of the mountaineers of Uri, Schweitz and Underwalden ; and all their trained bands were ready, when his bugle note echoed through their defiles, to follow him unquestioning, and to do his bidding. The citizens of Zurich chose Rhodolph of Hapsburg as their prefect or mayor ; and whenever his banner was unfurled in their streets, all the troops of the city were at his command.

The neighboring barons, alarmed at this rapid aggrandizement of Rhodolph, formed an alliance to crush him. The mountaineers heard his bugle call, and rushed to his aid. Zurich opened her gates, and her marshaled troops hastened to his banner. From Hapsburg, and Rheinfelden, and Suabia, and Brisgau, and we know not how many other of the territorial possessions of the count, the vassals rushed to the aid of their lord. They met in one of the valleys of Zurich. The battle was short, and the confederated barons were put to utter flight. Some took refiige in the strong castle oi Balder, upon a rocky cliff washed by the Albis. Rhodolph selected thirty horsemen and thirty footmen.