ABSTRACT
It is most remarkable – though not completely unique – that, with only one short interruption, one single dynasty managed to retain the royal or rather imperial dignity in the Holy Roman Empire for more than 350 years. The house of Habsburg ruled from 1438 to the very end of the empire, in 1806. This chapter aims to explain why this dynasty, which was often harshly criticized and was by no means characterized by an uninterrupted succession of excellent rulers, succeeded in preserving the imperial crown for a longer time than any of the preceding ruling houses.
