Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor
Last Holy Roman Emperor and first Emperor of Austria, navigating the Napoleonic era.
Chronology: 1768-02-12 – 1835-03-02
Origins & Early Life
Francis II and I (German: Franz II; 12 February 1768 – 2 March 1835) was the last Holy Roman Emperor (as Francis II) from 1792 to 1806, and the first Emperor of Austria (as Francis I) from 1804 to 1835. He was also King of Germany, Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia, and served as the first president of the German Confederation following its establishment in 1815. The eldest son of future Emperor Leopold II and Maria Louisa of Spain, Francis was born in Florence, where his father ruled as Grand Duke of Tuscany. Leopold became Holy Roman Emperor in 1790 but died two years later, and Francis succeeded him.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
His empire immediately became embroiled in the French Revolutionary Wars, the first of which ended in Austrian defeat and the loss of the left bank of the Rhine to France. After another French victory in the War of the Second Coalition, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the French. In response, Francis assumed the title of Emperor of Austria. He continued his leading role as Napoleon's adversary in the Napoleonic Wars, and suffered successive defeats that greatly weakened Austria as a European power. In 1806, after Napoleon created the Confederation of the Rhine, Francis abdicated as Holy...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia