Rudolf I

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Rudolf I (1218–91) German King (1273–91), founder of the Habsburg dynasty. His election as King ended a period of anarchy (1250–73). He set out to restore the position of the monarchy, and won the Duchies of Austria, Styria, and Carniola from Ottokar II of Bohemia (1278). He was never crowned Emperor, and failed to persuade the Electors to confirm his son, Albert I, as his successor, though in 1298 Albert eventually succeeded to the German throne.

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