Why? Gosh, this will take AGES!! Here goes:
Described by a noted contemporary as "the greatest art patron in the world," Rudolf II (1552–1612) raised court patronage in post-Renaissance Europe to a new level of breadth and extravagance. Under his guidance Prague became one of the leading centers of the arts and sciences. His taste for outstanding decoration and fantastic imagery were legendary, while his ambition and insight as a patron and collector changed the way art would be viewed by future generations.
A key figure in the power politics of 18th century Europe, Maria Theresia brought unity to the Habsburg Monarchy and was considered one of its most capable rulers despite having 16 children. Unlike many monarchs of her time, she married for love. She was the only female to rule in the 650-year-long history of the dynasty.
Joseph II completely reformed the legal system, abolished brutal punishments and the death penalty, and imposed the principle of complete equality of treatment for all offenders. He ended censorship of the press and theatre and introduced religious tolerance. Sadly, many of his reforms were shortsighted and were rescinded after his death.
Franz-Joseph I was dutiful and hard-working. He arose well before the crack of dawn and carried out his manifold duties with dignified aplomb until the very end, despite all the tragedies he experienced.
Empress Elisabeth: although I don’t approve of many of the things she did (especially the dreadful treatment of her two eldest surviving children) she nevertheless fascinates me.
Archduke Franz-Ferdinand and Sophie Chotek, Duchess of Hohenberg: I feel they had a rather raw deal, whatever way you look at it. Such a lovely family life and such a horrid end.
The French novelist Anatol France stated "Emperor Karl is the only decent man to come out of the war in a leadership position, yet he was a saint and no one listened to him. He sincerely wanted peace, and therefore was despised by the whole world. It was a wonderful chance that was lost."
Empress Zita was extraordinarily committed to the house of Habsburg, was extremely brave in accompanying Emperor Karl to Hungary in a vain attempt to regain the Hungarian Crown, was dignified, coped with numerous difficulties including exile, the death of her husband at such a young age, bringing up eight young children on her own, emigration to the USA during the Second World War etc etc.
Dr. Otto von Habsburg because he did not rest on his laurels as Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, but played an active role in the European Parliament and is still, at the age of well over 90, a very active and interesting character…a real gentleman.
