Description
Book SynopsisSilesia was part of the Habsburg rule from 1526 to 1742. The borders of the diocese of Breslau were largely identical to the borders of the country. For half a century, from 1608 to 1664, three Habsburgs and a close relative of the dynasty ruled as bishops of Breslau, the first being Charles of Austria, born in 1590. Habsburg''s interests in the diocese of Breslau included providing for his agnates and regaining territory that had been lost to the Catholics. Designated as a champion for the Counter-Reformation, Karl prevented the public practice of the Protestant religion in his principality, which resulted in endless conflicts with the residents of his royal seat and ultimately the re-Catholicization of his secular territory. He ruled as the faithful Trabant of the Counter Reformer, Emperor Ferdinand II, and died on a mission to the Spanish branch of the dynasty.
