Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ferdinand Charles |
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Portrait by Frans Luycx, c. 1648
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| Archduke of Further Austria | |
| Reign | 13 September 1632 – 30 December 1662 |
| Predecessor | Leopold V |
| Successor | Sigismund Francis |
| Regent | Claudia de' Medici (1632-1646) |
| Born | May 17, 1628 Archduchy of Austria, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | December 30, 1662 (aged 34) Kaltern, County of Tyrol, Holy Roman Empire |
| Spouse |
Anna de' Medici
(m. 1646) |
| Issue | Claudia Felicitas, Holy Roman Empress |
| House | Habsburg |
| Father | Leopold V, Archduke of Austria |
| Mother | Claudia de' Medici |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Ferdinand Charles (born May 17, 1628 – died December 30, 1662) was an important ruler known as the Archduke of Further Austria. This area included Tyrol, a region in the Alps. He ruled from 1646 until his death in 1662.
Ferdinand Charles was the son of Archduke Leopold V and Claudia de' Medici. When his father passed away in 1632, Ferdinand Charles was still very young. His mother, Claudia de' Medici, became the regent. This meant she governed the region for him until he was old enough to rule himself. He officially took over his duties in 1646 when he came of age.
Ruling Further Austria
Ferdinand Charles enjoyed a very fancy lifestyle. To pay for it, he sold off valuable goods and rights that belonged to his family. For example, he spent a huge amount of money that France had paid to the Habsburg family. This payment was for giving up their lands west of the Rhine River, like Alsace, Sundgau, and Breisach. In 1652, he also officially set the border with Graubünden, a neighboring region.
Ferdinand Charles was a very powerful ruler. He believed in absolute rule, meaning he made all decisions himself. After 1648, he stopped calling the "diet," which was a type of assembly or parliament. This meant he didn't ask for advice or approval from others when making laws. He was also a big fan of music, especially Italian opera, which was often performed at his court.
Family and children
Ferdinand Charles married Anna de' Medici. She was the daughter of Cosimo II de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Together, they had three children:
- Claudia Felicitas of Austria (born May 30, 1653 – died April 8, 1676). She later married Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor.
- A daughter who was born and died on July 19, 1654.
- Maria Magdalena of Austria (born August 17, 1656 – died January 21, 1669).
Ferdinand Charles passed away in Kaltern.
Images for kids
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Bust portrait of Ferdinand Charles, after a painting by Anselm van Hulle.
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Anna Medici, his wife by Justus Sustermans.
See also
