Blessed Charles of Austria saw war as “appalling” and strove for peace

Blessed Charles of Austria sought to end World War I through peace advocacy rather than seeking power or revenge. After the death of his grand-uncle, Emperor Franz Joseph, in 1916, Charles became next in line for the throne during the height of the conflict.

In his accession speech, Charles stated his intention to use all his power to stop the horrors and sacrifices of war as quickly as possible. His rise to leadership followed the 1914 assassination of his uncle, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which served as the catalyst for the war.