The Hapsburg Dynasty exploded onto the European stage in the 15th century and ruled large swaths of territory around the globe until coming to end after World War I. The long line of rulers and family members includes many with great intelligence, courage, and accomplishments, but also some who were politically inept, motivated by revenge, fanatic in defense of religion, mentally unstable, and physically deformed. No novelist could have imagined such a family, which scaled the heights of power and wealth as well as the pits of absolute failure. This course will delve into the life and times of some of the most interesting and intriguing members of the Hapsburg dynasty. The course will also delve into European politics, culture, and religions from the 1500s to the 1900s as a backdrop to the life and times of this amazing family.
