Harvey's view of Austria-Hungary

Hello, I'm William Harvey, but you can just call me Doctor Harvey. I'm an English physician, and I accurately described the circulation of blood in the human body. Austria-Hungary does not rank high on my list of favorite countries, partly because not much science comes from there. I do not intend to visit the country, as I would not have many fellow scientists to converse with. I do, however, favor it over countries like France, the home of Jean Riolan, a major critic of my work who has attacked me verbally on many occasions.

Brahe's View of Austria-Hungary

Hello, my name is Tycho Brahe. I am very fond of the region of Austria-Hungary. My dear friend and student, Johannes Kepler, has lived and taught in Austria for much of his life. He has told me great things about the country. Although I was born in Denmark, I currently spend most of my time in the Holy Roman Empire, where I have been named the court's "Imperial Mathematicus". I have learned a great deal about Austria-Hungary during my time in the HRE. In particular, the rulers of Austria are becoming more and more enlightened as time passes. I hope that they will find my work in astronomy interesting. Just recently, I have made fascinating observations about a new star. I have noticed that Austria-Hungary is somewhat lacking in influential thinkers. It would be great if my findings could inspire future scientists from the Austria region! I consider myself to be the "Father of the Modern Laboratory", and I truly hope that others will agree and build upon the foundations I've built.
Sincerely,
Tycho Brahe

Kant's View of Austria-Hungary

I, Immanuel Kant, am the father of modern philosophy. Unfortunately, Austria-Hungary has not shown much progression in the philosophical field. Most philosphers come from France and England. Austria-Hungary needs to get moving towards the Enlightenment. Also, I usually promote thinking autonomously and without external authority. However, Austria-Hungary shows a strong sense of authoritative power, especially with Maria Theresa of the Hapsburgs.

Enlightenment in Austria-Hungary

Although Austria-Hungary did not produce an abundance of the much celebrated thinkers, the Enlightenment still played a huge role in the country. The two sons of Maria Theresa, Joseph and Leopold, were major supporters of enlightened absolutism. First, they sought to eliminate serfdom throughout the nation. Additionally, they were firm believers in religious toleration and worked hard to stop persecution. All of their reforms had beneficial effects on the people of Austria-Hungary. Emperor Joseph is quoted as saying, "Everything for the people, nothing by the people." This statement shows that Joseph, unlike many other rulers of the day, truly cared about the people he ruled over. He wanted to help them, not oppress them. Therefore, the Enlightenment influenced several leaders from Austria-Hungary and positively affected the lives of the common people.

A Quick Summary of Other Rulers

Ferdinand II - a member of the Hapsburg family. He decreased the power of the "Bohemian Estates", who were the main representatives in Bohemia. After the Reformation, he took land from wealthy Protestants and gave it to Catholics. This act sparked much controversy throughout the Kingdom. (reigned from 1619-1637)

Ferdinand III - centralized control over most of the German states. He was the first to establish a permanent German army. (reign 1637-1657)


(Works cited for all my entries:
http://www.gwleibniz.com/britannica_pages/emp_ferdinand_i/emp_ferdinand_i.html
http://www.graz.net/
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/web/ninetyfive.html)

Travel Destination

Welcome to the tour of Graz, Austria! The city of Graz is rich in history and is always full of excitement. The Hapsburg rulers have named this city to be the second-capital of Austria. It is situated in a great location - for trade, scenery, defense, etc. The City of Graz is basically a microcosm of the Protestant Reformation. The architecture of the buildings show either Protestant or Catholic influence. Some of the buildings were built by Protestants, including the famous Landhaus (town hall). Other buildings were built in retaliation by the Hapsburgs and the Counter-Reformers (such as the University building). In fact, it became a "competition" between the two religions to see who could build the most impressive buildings. As you know, Catholicism eventually became the dominant religion in Graz. At this time, Graz is the main residential city for the Hapsburg leaders. The palace they live in, known as Schloss Eggenberg, is open for tourists to view. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see how the royal family lives! Other important people, such as the scientist Kepler, live in Graz, as well.

A Member of the Clergy

Dear journal,

The strangest thing has just occurred! I have received word that a fellow clergy member, Martin Luther, has posted a document of 95 Theses on the doors of the Church in Wittenburg. Although I live in the Kingdom of Hungary - far away from Wittenburg - detailed news of this event has arrived with stunning speed (which tells me that this event is extremely important). I have been told that these 95 Theses protest Church policies - most notably the sale of indulgences. I am unsure as to how the Empire will respond to this act. To be honest, Luther is a strange man, but he is already quite popular among the German Princes. It is possible that he might acquire a large following! Emperor Charles V and the rest of the Hapsburg family will be somewhat opposed to Luther because the Hapsburgs are devoutly Catholic. Also, the Pope might condemn Luther as a heretic and put him on trial! I will not be too surprised if Luther is excommunicated from the Church altogether! Even if he is excommunicated, however, his loyal Princes will be able to look after him and hide him from the Pope's men. I am excited to see the reaction to Luther's 95 Theses, but it does no good for me to keep guessing. After all, only time will tell.

1546
Buda, Hungary

Salt in Water

The effect the close of the 30 Years War had on the Holy Roman Empire was much like throwing a cube of salt into water. The Empire, like the salt, dissolved into hundreds of smaller independent states. This led to significant political changes, such as the conquering of the Bohemians, the further degeneration of the Peasantry and the destruction of Protestantism in Austria/Hungary. The nobility was reinstalled so it supported the new Habsburg rulers. With Bohemia securely in their hands, they turned their eyes to the complete conquest of Hungary, which for years had been a constant stalemate between the Turks and Habsburgs. The religious war that sprang up from this conflict is one of the most significant political events of the time. The conflict drew together Christian allies in a campaign to drive the Islamic Turks from Europe. With the assistance of many other countries, the Habsburgs succeeded in forcing the Turks back into Arabia. This success promoted unity among the states of Austria/Hungary, and unified the country for the most part.

However, Austrohungarian efforts to create a completely absolutist state failed due to thwarting attacks by Hungarian nobility. Despite their huge successes on the outside, the country struggled heavily on the inside.

POLITICAL/SOCIAL/CULTURAL EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE (unit 1 and 2)-

• During the black death, Hungary had less casualities because those with type-D blood were immune to the plague.
• During the Protestant Reformation, the Hapsburg Dynasty rose in power. The Hapsburgs unified a large portion of Europe - mostly through marriage (such as the one between Maximilian I of Austria and Mary of Burgundy in 1477).
• During the rise of absolutism, Louis XIII fought and beat the Hapsburgs (Maria Theresa of the Hapsburgs had power over Austria at the time)
• While Louis XIV continued his various wars, he also continued to follow Richelieu's expansionist policy. Louis claimed Spain during the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1713). Nobody was quite sure who the heir should be. Austrians, along with the English, Prussians, and Dutch, opposed Louis' claim on Spain. These opposing nations tried to keep the balance of power. They didn't want France getting too strong. A Grand Alliance (which included Austria) was formed among the nations opposing France. They fought Louis and won. Spain and France were not joined under the Sun King.
• Later, there was a rise in power for Austria and Prussia. After the 30 Years War, the Austrian Hapsburgs unified their various lands. Furthermore, they took over Bohemia. Ferdinand III also created a military, centralized the government in Austria, and turned to Hungary for land. After a while, Austria was dragged into a war against the Turks for the ownership of Hungary and Transylvania. However, the Austrian Hapsburgs came out victorious and had control over Hungary and Transylvania. The defeat of the Turks was celebrated in Austria and France. Now Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia were all under control of the Hapsburgs. However, the Hungarian nobility prevented the Hapsburgs from instigating total absolutism.

Images of Rulers

An image of my brother Charles V
Myself: Holy Roman Emperor, Archduke of Austria, King of Hungary

A View from a Ruler

Hello, my name is Archduke Ferdinand I. I rule the Holy Roman Empire, which includes both Austria and Hungary. I became Emperor when my brother, Charles V, passed away. In my opinion, his death was a bittersweet event. I am a member of the mighty Hapsburg family. My family has control over many parts of Europe. I was born near Madrid, a stronghold of the Hapsburgs. Over the past few years of my reign, there have been a number of wars in the Holy Roman Empire. For example, in 1529, I was forced to take refuge in Bohemia because there was a siege on my beloved city of Vienna. The attackers were the Ottoman armies.
I have extremely strong views regarding the Protestant Reformation. I am against it entirely. I have even ordered my army to suppress the Protestants in my Empire. My deceased brother, Charles V, however, had mixed feelings regarding Luther and his new religion. He was a Catholic, but wanted to undermine the power of the Pope. Therefore, Charles was never completely for or against Luther.
There was a large party in my castle this evening for my daughter Elisabeth. I recently arranged for her to be married to a Polish Prince. I must say, my strategic way of thinking is ingenious. Her arranged marriage will be beneficial to both families. I now have 14 other children to politically marry off, as well. On a different note, I would like to inform you of a new policy I have established in the Empire. I have decided to centralize my Kingdom and become known as an absolute monarch. This policy will make me more powerful and respected.
Cordially,
Archduke Ferdinand I (reign 1521-1564)

Turnaround for the Empire

As the Holy Roman Empire fell to shambles, the Habsburgs tried their hardest to maintain control over as much as possible. The more adequately named German Empire consisted of almost 300 independent states, most of which were made of no more than a city. In order to gain power, they extended eastward and overtook the Bohemian Estates. The Czechs and Slavs mounted a strong defense in order to defend their Protestant beliefs, but were defeated by Austria/Hungary at the Battle of the White Mountain. With the newly acquired resources, the Habsburgs managed to mold some of the shattered state into a modestly sized empire.