The empire known as the Austrian Empire existed in central Europe between 1804 and 1867. Centered on what is today Austria, it emerged from the political changes that followed the end of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806. The final Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, continued as the ruler of the new state under the title Francis I of Austria.
Monarchy and succession
After Francis I, the imperial crown passed to Ferdinand I and later to Franz Joseph I, who became one of the longest-reigning Habsburg monarchs. In 1867 the political structure of the Habsburg lands changed when the Austrian Empire was reformed into the dual monarchy commonly called Austria-Hungary.
End of the empire and aftermath
The successor state, Austria-Hungary, survived until the collapse of the Central Powers at the close of World War I in 1918. The defeat led to the breakup of the Habsburg realms and the creation or expansion of several modern nation-states.
Territorial legacy
Territories that had been part of the Austrian Empire now lie within multiple contemporary countries. Significant portions became parts of present-day Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Other areas were incorporated into Slovakia, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy.
