Schwarzenberg, Prince Felix

(1800–1852)

   A Habsburg statesman, Prince Schwarzenberg was born in October 1800 in Krummau, a member of the highest ranks of the Bohemian aristocracy. He joined the Austrian army and switched to the diplomatic service after a few years, where he made an impressive career. In the revolution of 1848, Schwarzenberg reentered the military service, fighting against the Italians. Field-marshal Alfred Prince von Windischgraetz, his brother-in-law and the most influential counter-revolutionary general, made sure that Schwarzenberg became prime minister and foreign minister of the Habsburg monarchy in November 1848.

   As prime minister, Schwarzenberg reestablished the Habsburg regime, dissolved the constitutional assembly and paved the way to neo-absolute rule. The new emperor, Francis Joseph, relied on Schwarzenberg’s advice in domestic and international affairs. Schwarzenberg managed to restore the Great Power status of the Habsburg monarchy and the German Confederation. Yet when he died in April 1852, he had failed to strengthen Austria’s position in the Confederation beyond the status quo ante.

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   FURTHER READING:

    Crankshaw, Edward. The Fall of the House of Habsburg. New York: Viking, 1963.

   GUENTHER KRONENBITTER