Hello and welcome to the History of the Germans, Episode 141, Rudolf von Habsburg, Semper Augustus, Allecied Mere of the Reiches.

Martin Rady, in his highly amusing and exceptionally well-written book on the Harpsburgs, said,

quote, the remainder of Rudolf's reign up to his death in 1291 was a failure.

He did not manage to have himself crowned emperor by the Pope and had to make do with the title

of king.

It was a false dawn, both for the Holy Roman Empire and for the Habsburgs, end quote.

I most humbly disagree.

The 13 years following the Battle of Durnkrued are some of the most transformative for the empire

and the fledgling concept of German and Germany.

This episode will try to make the case for Rudolf I, the founder of the House of Habsburg,

one of the most impactful medieval rulers of the empire.

Now, before we go into the story and the respective arguments,

just a few words about the way the history of the Germans is run.

This show is advertising free, which means the only way I can get compensated for it is by the generosity of you, the patrons.

And I must say your willingness to keep this show on the road is overwhelming, so thank

you so much.

And I think it is worth it.

I recently listened to a podcast I hugely respect, and that is within a network that

had approached me to join a few months ago.

Now, this podcast episode was featuring cryptocurrency advertising, something I personally would

not want to be seen endorsing in any form.

So, an especially heartfelt thanks to William Schmidt, Jantye B, Donka P, Brian A, Moritz-L

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