This gives the Austrians the potential to become a truly great power, either within the borders of the old Empire, to the south in Italy, or to the east. Leopold I, the ruling Hapsburg, has brought peace and prosperity, and maintained a first-class military machine (in particular, the Austrians have mastered the tactics of using light, irregular troops). Austrian bravery has kept them at bay, every time.Īfter the bloodletting of the last century – the Thirty Years War – within the Holy Roman Empire, Austria is a leading power among “the Germanies”. For nearly 250 years, the Ottoman Turks have hurled themselves against the bastion of Austria, reaching the gates of Vienna on more than one occasion. Originally, the Duchy was the eastern marches of the Holy Roman Empire (the Ostmark), and the defensive importance of Austria to the rest of Europe is immense.
The history of Austria is one of warfare against invaders from the east, and the infidel Turks in particular.
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