Franz Joseph I of Austria
1830 – 1916 Austrian Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary
Long-reigning Habsburg emperor whose realm collapsed soon after his death.
- Religion
- Roman Catholic.
- Affiliations
- Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary for 68 years; head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine.
He ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire for 68 years, one of the longest reigns in European history, presiding over its transformation into a dual monarchy. The assassination of his heir Franz Ferdinand in 1914 led him to declare the war that would destroy his empire.