Austrian Empire

Rejecting fragmented histories of nations in the making, this bold revision surveys the shared institutions that bridged difference and distance to bring stability and meaning to the far-flung empire. By supporting new schools, law courts, and railroads along with scientific and artistic advances, the Habsburg monarchs sought to anchor their authority in the cultures and economies of Central Europe. A rising standard of living throughout the empire deepened the legitimacy of Habsburg rule.

Two manuscripts in one audiobook: History of Austria and The Habsburg Empire. When Austrian President Franz Jonas visited the Vatican in 1971, Pope Paul VI named Austria “The Island of the Blessed". He did so to emphasize Austria’s steep recovery. Only 25 years had passed since the end of the Second World War, and Austria was already one of the most prosperous European countries.

De la mano de Juana La Loca desembarcó en España una dinastía extranjera que había hecho de los matrimonios entre parientes su seña de identidad en el resto de Europa. Los Habsburgo ("los Halcones") aterrizaron en la península y pusieron la hacienda y la infantería castellana a disposición de sus disparatadas empresas. Cada generación más endogámica; cada vez más chiflados. Carlos I, el depresivo; Felipe II, el imprudente; Felipe III, el ludópata; Felipe IV, el vicioso; Carlos II, el endemoniado.