Emperor Franz Joseph I

Emperor at age 18:

The Beginning of a Long Reign

At just 18 years old, the Habsburg ascended to the throne in 1848, an era of revolution in which citizens were demanding democratic rights. The absolutist imperial house had to hold its ground. Franz Joseph I stabilized the domestic and foreign policy situations and reigned for 68 years.

A daily life filled with discipline and a sense of duty

The head of state’s daily life was marked by iron discipline. He got up every day at half past three in the morning. After a simple breakfast—usually a cup of coffee with milk and a few pieces of his beloved Gugelhupf—he devoted himself to his files and correspondence. During his reign, he processed nearly half a million files.

A Role Model for the Civil Service

Franz Joseph I described himself as the “Chief Civil Servant” of the Empire. He was regarded as a role model for the civil service, which he also comprehensively reformed and, on that basis, established the civil service code. Strictly defined working hours, along with vacation and retirement benefits, were among the rights of civil servants. Bribery and nepotism were severely punished.

The Emperor’s Simple Study

The emperor’s study was simple and served as the room where he spent the most time throughout his life. He devoted himself body and soul to his role as a role model for all civil servants, once saying, “One must work until one collapses from exhaustion.” The famous Habsburg often sat poring over certain documents late into the night. He never put off his duties.

Loneliness Following the Death of Empress Elisabeth

In Volume 5 of his multi-volume work *Solange er lebt* (*As Long as He Lives*), the Austrian author and actor Fred Hennings described Franz Joseph I as a lonely man, particularly after the violent death of his wife, Empress Elisabeth “Sissy” of Austria, in 1898. As an outward sign of his personal withdrawal, the emperor also developed a kind of pessimism in his dealings with others. In this vein, he remarked to an Austrian diplomat:

“I have long been aware of just how much of an anomaly we are in today’s world.” In his old age, the monarch sensed the impending social changes that began with World War I. He rejected the modern era that began with the 20th century and withdrew to his Schönbrunn Palace. In this context, a kind of mystification began.

Resistance to Change

He closed himself off from all sociopolitical reforms and technological innovations. He remained steadfast in his belief in the divine right of kings. He had little interest left in anything earthly. His court, which was also growing old, encouraged this development.

A lonely monarch until the end of his life

The aged monarch rid himself of his emotions. Fred Hennings described his behavior as follows: “He neither hated nor loved; rather, he approved and disapproved, consented and rejected.” To millions of his subjects, he became an unattainable figure. The lonely man was interested solely in preserving the status quo with all the strength he had left.