Today is the centenary of the death at the age of 34 from pneumonia in his enforced exile on the island of Madeira of Bl. Karl of Austria - that is the Emperor Charles I of Austria and King Charles IV of Hungary - in 1922.
Emperor King Charles I and IV
Image: r/monarchism on Reddit
I have posted about him, his cause and beatification on a number of occasions in the past.
There is an introduction to his life from Wikipedia at Charles I of Austria and the websites of the Gebetsliga for his canonisation cause can be seen at Emperor Karl League of Prayers for Peace among Nations - official website.
Two excellent articles from the various ones published on the Gebetsliga site that are Who is Karl? — Blessed Karl of Austria and Why Canonize an Emperor? — Blessed Karl of Austria
A 2004 article from the time of the Emperor’s beatification makes for thoughtful reading and cites the reminiscences of Dietrich von Hildebrand of meeting the Empress Zita in her exile and various stories illustrative of the piety of the Emperor. It can be viewed at Library : The Holy Christian Emperor Who Died in the Cold of Exile
I recently came across two online videos which look at his reign and which are, I think worth sharing.
The first argues that it was the economic effects of the First World War rather than, as is usually argued, nationalism which led to the disintegration of Austro-Hungary. The reasons for the events of October-November 1918 are complex, but this does raise some interesting questions. It can be viewed at Nationalism DOESN’T explain WHY Austria-Hungary collapsed and the comments are worth studying for their views about the nationality question - notably about the protection afforded different languages,
The second looks at the process of the physical disintegration of the Habsburg domains day by day and on a sequential map. It shows clearly the competing claims of different national groups and interested parties. This can be seen at The Final Days of Austria-Hungary
Both show the difficulties he faced and how as the territories took, or were taken, different ways the Emperor-King and his family were left stranded by events. At the same time they thereby demonstrate how central the Habsburgs and their way of managing their realms and Crown Lands were to the survival of what was often simply known as the Monarchy. That it took the most destructive way hitherto to destroy it, and that only after four years can, I suggest, be seen as s case for its viability rather than its vulnerability.
What does emerge clearly from biographies and studies are two things. Firstly, inheriting the throne when he did, as well as after the long reign of his great-uncle, the Emperor faced at the age of 29 a huge task. As monarch in his travels around his diverse lands he showed an accessibility and approachability to his people that appears very modern indeed. There may be disagreement amongst historians as to how well prepared he was or how well he discharged his obligations as ruler, but can be little doubt as to his personal sincerity and dedication in seeking so to do. This includes both his quest for a peace agreement and his hopes for an internal reconfiguration of his lands. The fate of the various fragments of his Empire, right down to the present moment, does not suggest that anyone else has managed any better, and most much worse.
Secondly it appears clear that he was a thoroughly decent, good man, a devout Catholic, a loving husband blessed with a devoted and strong consort in the Empress Zita, a very affectionate father, a man gifted with imagination, spontaneity and not a little daring, and a man of conscience and loyalty to both his family by blood and to his family of peoples.
The Imperial Monagram of the Emperor
Image: Wikipedia
Bl. Karl of Austria Pray for peace, pray for us
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