Albert II of Germany

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Albert II of Germany

Role / Field:

Habsburg ruler, King of the Romans, and key figure in the tumultuous early 15th century.

Born:

1397-08-16

Died:

1439-10-27

Century / Era:

1397s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

Albert II (German: Albrecht II., 10 August 1397 – 27 October 1439) was King of the Romans and a member of the House of Habsburg. By inheritance he became Albert V, Duke of Austria. Through his wife Elizabeth of Luxembourg (jure uxoris), he also became King of Hungary, King of Croatia, King of Bohemia, and inherited a claim to the Duchy of Luxembourg. He played a significant role in the Hussite Wars, assisting his father-in-law Sigismund and suffering defeats like the Battle of Domažlice in 1431.

Key Developments & Impact

Crowned King of Hungary in 1438, he struggled to control Bohemia and fought against Polish-Bohemian forces. He later became King of the Romans but died in 1439 while defending Hungary from the Ottomans. His reign saw anti-Hussite and anti-Jewish persecutions, continuing medieval crusades against perceived heretics. Austrian Jews faced increased taxation and expulsions, culminating in the 1420 Vienna pogrom, partly driven by accusations of aiding the Hussites. Albert was born in Vienna as the son of Albert IV, Duke of Austria, and Joanna Sophia of Bavaria.

Enduring Legacy

He succeeded to the Duchy of Austria at the age of seven on his father's death in 1404. His uncle Duke William of Inner Austria...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1397 (1397-08-16): Birth of Albert II of Germany — Habsburg ruler, King of the Romans, and key figure in the tumultuous early 15th century.
2. 1404: 1404 Milestone — He succeeded to the Duchy of Austria at the age of seven on his father's death in 1404.
3. 1420: 1420 Milestone — Austrian Jews faced increased taxation and expulsions, culminating in the 1420 Vienna pogrom, partly driven by accusations of aiding the Hussites.
4. 1431: 1431 Milestone — He played a significant role in the Hussite Wars, assisting his father-in-law Sigismund and suffering defeats like the Battle of Domažlice in 1431.
5. 1438: 1438 Milestone — Crowned King of Hungary in 1438, he struggled to control Bohemia and fought against Polish-Bohemian forces.
6. 1439 (1439-10-27): Passing & Historical Legacy — Albert II of Germany passed away on 1439-10-27, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Albert II of Germany

True or False: “Albert II's reign was characterized by periods of stability and strong centralized authority across his inherited domains.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): His time was marked by significant conflict, notably the devastating Hussite Wars and struggles to control Bohemia.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Francesco Landini — Contemporary (Died in 1397) (1397): Central figure of Trecento music, renowned composer and organist from Florence.
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• Albert Cohen (novelist) — Shared historical date (08-16 · Born) (1895): Greek-born Swiss novelist who wrote in French, known for his memoirs and international work.
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• Sejong the Great — Historical peer (Born in 1397) (1397): Great King of Joseon, renowned for establishing Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
• Andrea Mantegna — Historical peer (Born in 1431) (1431): Master of the Italian Renaissance, known for monumental perspective and sculptural figures.
• 1397 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1397
• August 16 (08-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 16
• 1439 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1439
• October 27 (10-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 27

Frequently Asked Questions about Albert II of Germany