Rudolf II of Greater Austria
| Rudolf II | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Emperor of Greater Austria | |||||
| Reign | 25 August 1934 - 8 February 1953 | ||||
| Inauguration | 25 August 1934 | ||||
| Predecessor | Rudolf I | ||||
| Successor | Joseph I | ||||
| Born | 7 November 1893 Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Greater Austria | ||||
| Died | 8 February 1970 (aged 76) Istanbul, Turkey | ||||
| Burial | |||||
| Spouse | Princess Yolanda of Savoy (m. 1923) | ||||
| Issue | |||||
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| House | Habsburg-Lorraine | ||||
| Father | Rudolf I | ||||
| Mother | Princess Hélène of Orléans | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholicism | ||||
Rudolf II (Rudolph George Ferdinand; 7 November 1893 - 8 February 1953), was the second Emperor of Greater Austria from 25 August 1934 to 8 February 1953.
The only son of Emperor Rudolf I, he ascended to the imperial throne following the death of his father on 25 August 1934. Having inherited an initially thriving and prosperous Greater Austria that was otherwise troubled by the effects of the Great Depression beginning on August 1929, Rudolf, much like his predecessor and namesake, took active measures to suppress any potential extremist movements that could topple the longtime Habsburg monarchy. On the other hand, the Emperor was also actively involved in efforts to alleviate the living conditions of the general public, a large number of which had been rendered unemployed as a result of the prevailing recession. For his efforts during the crisis, coupled with the perceived humility of his overall character, he consequently became somewhat of a national icon and unifying figure in the eyes of the public.
During the Second World War, he personally led troops against Greater Austria's two expansionist neighbours, Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, both of which the Imperial Army was able to repel amidst several notable setbacks, a feat which once more increased his already massive popularity among the general public. Following war's end, Rudolf subsequently positioned his nation as an influential third power situated between the Western and Eastern blocs, often acting as an intermediary for any conflicts between the two sides, thereby establishing himself as one of the Cold War's most well-known diplomats.
On November 1923, Rudolf married Princess Yolanda of Savoy, daughter of Italy's King Victor Emmanuel III. Together, the couple had five children in total, including the eldest, Joseph, whom later succeeded his father to the throne upon his death in 1970 at the age of seventy-six.
Early Life
Reign
Death
Personal Life
Titles & Honours
- 7 November 1893 - 11 August 1894 His Imperial and Royal Highness The Crown Prince of Austria, Hungary, Bohemia and Croatia
- 11 August 1894 - 25 August 1934 His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince of Greater Austria
- 25 August 1934 - 8 February 1970 His Imperial Majesty The Emperor of Greater Austria
Ancestors
| Ancestors of Rudolf II of Greater Austria |
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