As a consequence, the Habsburg Empire began what turned into one of the biggest world wars known today and even then its demise was not because it had Germany as an ally because this alliance proved fruitful in preventing a war in 1908 when “Austro-Germany solidarity forced Russia to back down” (Pelling 122) but rather, its demise was the result of entering a war and losing. It chose to enter into a war with Serbia instead of resolving the matter in other ways and this can partially be seen as a flaw with Franz Joseph’s faith in the military. The Habsburg Empire’s true weaknesses were its military and financial conditions. If these had been resolved on numerous occasions throughout its rule, such as before the Compromise or April Laws, its demise could have been avoided – or at least prolonged. Its Achilles heel was its dependence on the ruling Emperor and what went from an Empire known for its strategic marriages, turned into one of waging wars, eventually losing its biggest
As a consequence, the Habsburg Empire began what turned into one of the biggest world wars known today and even then its demise was not because it had Germany as an ally because this alliance proved fruitful in preventing a war in 1908 when “Austro-Germany solidarity forced Russia to back down” (Pelling 122) but rather, its demise was the result of entering a war and losing. It chose to enter into a war with Serbia instead of resolving the matter in other ways and this can partially be seen as a flaw with Franz Joseph’s faith in the military. The Habsburg Empire’s true weaknesses were its military and financial conditions. If these had been resolved on numerous occasions throughout its rule, such as before the Compromise or April Laws, its demise could have been avoided – or at least prolonged. Its Achilles heel was its dependence on the ruling Emperor and what went from an Empire known for its strategic marriages, turned into one of waging wars, eventually losing its biggest