The Habsburgs - Andrew Wheatcroft - book review

Another of the books which I have recently revisited after a gap of a few years is "The Habsburgs - Embodying Empire", by Andrew Wheatcroft, first published in 1995.

As the author is keen to stress, he adopts an approach of looking at the Habsburgs in the context of the dynastic entity, rather than simply as a series of individuals. Also, he examines the ways in which the self-image of the family evolved, and how this was conveyed via art, architecture, the printed word, ceremony and so forth. The methods by which the Habsburgs projected and perpetuated the "myth". The mystical and romantic elements of these impulses are explored, too.

It is also one of the curious aspects of the story that the Habsburgs attained their influence and reach as much by strategic marriages and accumulation of wealth than via warfare. They themselves were often relatively impecunious, and their financial strength was precarious, sometimes depending on inheritance via marriage.

One of the things which readers might find surprising is how much this study concentrates on the Spanish branch of the Habsburg dynasty. To many, the family is most commonly associated with the German-speaking parts of Europe, bur in fact the focus on Spain is quite illuminating in painting the full picture accurately and vividly.

This is not really the definitive story of the dynasty, nor does it set out to be. Some of the most notable figures, such as Maximilian, Charles V and Philip II, are accorded what might be described as mini-biographies. These portraits are quite gripping, detailing the traits of these rulers, and how they themselves interpreted and propelled the Habsburg mystique.

Wheatcroft does not exhaustively chronicle each diplomatic initiative and military campaign, but instead he tends to concentrate on some phases which he feels are particularly instructive. Some episodes which are considered pivotal in European history are therefore given less attention than one might normally expect. This does not lessen the book's appeal;in fact, in many ways, it enhances it.

The seemingly endless references to the Habsburgs' religious piety and divine guidance may give the impression of an archaic age, but they are essential to an understanding of how the dynasty perceived itself, and what drove it on.

My impression was that relatively little was mentioned about the attitudes of the Habsburgs' millions of subjects, more specifically about the impact, or lack of it, of their rule on economic and social conditions. It seemed that untold resources were expended on opulent palaces, churches, and castles. What about education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development?  The fact that they are rarely mentioned may tell its own story.  Then again, the remit of the book does not demand that such subjects predominate.

There is some protracted analysis of the various difficulties which afflicted the Habsburg succession, and how the furtherance of the line was engineered and secured. The author scores highly in his examination of the tension which sometimes sprang up between the generations, and how each new ruler put his or her own stamp on the office, whilst adhering to tradition and ethos. We also acquire a sense of how the geographical and strategic orientation of the empire continued to shift over the centuries.

The last one hundred years or so of the empire are documented in a condensed, but lively and readable way. The implication I think is that, faced with revolutions and new political and social forces, the Habsburgs adapted as much by changing administrative methods and presentational styles as by changing fundamental policies and beliefs. The effects on the family of the Enlightenment, and the upheavals which came after it, appear to have been uneven.

This book did not necessarily make me more sympathetic to Habsburg values and practices. However, it did deepen my understanding of why they thought and acted in the way they did. It is a thoughtful and easily digestible exploration of the phenomenon.

Franz Klammer, Innsbruck, 1976

As the 2014 Winter Olympics open, my thoughts go back to memories of previous Games. One feat and one performance springs to mind, above all others;Franz Klammer's gold medal run in the men's downhill race at Innsbruck in 1976.

That race stands out for me for several reasons. Firstly, 1976 is the first Winter Olympics which I can remember. I have no recollection whatsoever of Sapporo in 1972 (I was only two years old at the time). Secondly, this run, lasting less than two minutes, not only transcended skiing, it also transcended sport itself, and is probably the one ski race that even non-skiing fans would be able to recognize or recall. It was not just that he won that was significant, but the manner of his victory.

The stage was set perfectly. Klammer was drawn as the last of the top seeds in the running order, starting fifteenth, and was confronted by a formidable benchmark set by the defending champion, Bernard Russi of Switzerland. He was also the favourite for the gold medal, and was competing in front of his adoring but demanding home Austrian crowd - a double edged sword.

What transpired was one of the most audacious and spine-tingling sporting spectacles ever witnessed. Klammer seemed to throw caution to the wind, knowing that he had to take risks to overhaul Russi's time. There were several moments when he looked destined to stumble or fall, but through a combination of skill, confidence, raw courage, and even a modicum of good fortune, he stayed on the course, and won the gold medal by 0.33 seconds.

Individual sports such as downhill skiing differ subtly from other pursuits because of the contest between athlete, himself and the elements. On this occasion, Klammer conquered both himself and the elements, achieving the pinnacle of his career, as well as giving us a supreme example of sporting theatre. I understand that in Austria, that Klammer tour-de-force is still regarded as a milestone in the country's popular-cultural history. The nation literally came to a standstill for those moments.

In retrospect, I also think that Klammer's gold-medal heroics are important in another context. Even in 1976, hard-nosed professionalism and commercialism were beginning to encroach on even "amateur" sports. That run perhaps represents one of the last hurrahs for a more dashing, cavalier and unorthodox ethos.

Those people who cling religiously to their own favourite sports and narrow partisan allegiances for inspiration should check out a video of Klammer's run. Their eyes will hopefully be opened.

The Eastern Front - 1914-1917 - Norman Stone

The First World War continues to hold a grim fascination for many, both because of the perceived futility of the conflict, and due to the watershed in history which it represented. Much of the mainstream material about the war focuses on the Western Front, and the horrific war of attrition in France and Belgium. In English-speaking countries, little is said about the Eastern Front by comparison, even though that arena was pivotal to the origins of the war, and how it unfolded on a wider scale.

I was therefore pleased to come across Norman Stone's study of the Eastern front, originally published in 1975. A relatively short, but highly informative work, which reaches beneath the surface of this theatre of the conflict, which is treated quite sparingly and superficially in many overall accounts of "The Great War".

My own feeling is that some chroniclers of the Eastern Front have their assessments unduly shaped by understandable enmity towards the Tsarist and Habsburg regimes, and therefore give a slanted or distorted interpretation of events and their causes, perhaps seeking out signs of basic inhumanity where in reality ineptitude, confusion and miscalculation are nearer the mark.

In this book, Stone certainly challenges some of the popular theories about why the Russians in particular suffered setbacks at various stages of the campaigns, on the question of the manufacture and supply of munitions for example. Whilst shortages did emerge, often they were not in themselves decisive, but sometimes proved a convenient excuse to conceal or refute other deficiencies.

I was at first surprised by how much space is dedicated to discussion of logistical and industrial matters, but on reflection I can see why this is the case.  By its very nature and geography, the eastern front placed much onus on movement via strategic railways, both in terms of mobilization and swift transportation of reserves. Also, the crises in the war-effort shed some light on trends and faults within Russian society which had major implications later on. It suited some dissenters to distort the truth, in order to exploit the situation for their own political ends.

As for the Austro-Hungarians, the chaotic and dysfunctional nature of the dual monarchy is laid bare.  It is noteworthy that Stone suggests that the various nationalities which made up the empire were not overly disloyal or hostile to begin with.  Indeed, it is pointed out that the Italian campaign inspired some unity, much more so than was evident in the Russian sector, where Slav was expected to fight Slav. It was only when mistakes and misfortune started to encroach that dissent and defiance became serious and widespread. Goodwill was regularly squandered because of callousness and insensitivity.

The paragraphs concerning Austro-German dialogue are quite revealing. From a comparatively early stage, aims and agendas seemed to be diverging, an the relations and dialogue illustrated how flimsy and rotten the alliance was.  It brings to mind the German remark about being "shackled to a corpse".

Another theme running through parts of this book is how, in its own way, the Eastern Front was just as inconclusive and frustrating as its western counterpart, if different in character. Almost throughout, it was more mobile and fluid, but hollow victories abounded for both sides, the "cause" hardly being advanced, and heavy losses incurred.

There is a chapter which largely concerns itself with Romania's very sad and wretched "cameo role" in proceedings. It is a moot point whether they were "bribed"or coerced into entering the war by the Entente powers against their better judgement, but in the final analysis the outcome of the affair arguably served the interests of the Central Powers more, and created some new anxieties for the Russians.

"The Eastern Front" concludes with quite an exhaustive examination of how the economic collapse brought about the misery, turmoil and discontent which triggered the revolution in Russia. A story of growing pains, dislocation, disarray and despair.

All in all, this book was not quite what I anticipated.  I expected a chronological rendering of the military campaign(s), with diplomatic and social context added.  In the event, it went well beyond that, and enhanced my knowledge and understanding not just of events in the east, but in the war overall.

A valuable and very readable book.