Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty

The Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty emerged in the 18th century when the Habsburg family united with the House of Lorraine through marriage. This dynasty was notable for ruling many European territories, including Austria, Hungary, and parts of Italy and the Balkans. It played a significant role in European politics, being influential in the Holy Roman Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Habsburg-Lorraine line produced several notable leaders, including Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph I, shaping the continent's history until the end of World War I in 1918, when their rule effectively came to an end.