Empire of Habsbourg in 1600
Chart Luc Rehmet
Of European vocation, the house of Habsbourg, more known under the name of house of Austria starting from XVIe century, marked the European history of 1278 to 1918. It failed with Charles Quint to arrive at universal monarchy.
The family of Habsbourgs could build two Empires, one Spanish, the other Austrian. Wars of succession, to the XVIII E century, then the fight of nationalities, to the XIX E century, weakened the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which crumbled in 1918 with the abdication of Charles I.
The history of Habsbourgs can be followed since XIe century at least. Originally installed in the Swiss area of Argovie and in High-Alsace, the family quickly acquires a regional power, reinforced by the support of the emperors Hohenstaufen (XIIe and XIIIe century).