Biography

Franz Joseph was born in Vienna on August 18, 1830, the son of Archduke Franz Karl. He became the emperor of Austria in 1848, following the abdication of his uncle Ferdinand I. He reigned as Emperor from 1848 until his death in 1916. During his reign Austria engaged in wars with France, Italy, and Germany. In 1867 he compromised with the Hungarians to create the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary. He married Empress Elizabeth, with whom he had four children, three daughters and one son. On July 28, 1914, he declared war against Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. In 1916, Franz Joseph developed bronchia catarrh, and he died on November 21, 1916.