What Happened to the Habsburgs After Their Empire Collapsed?

When the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed in 1918, Austria didn't just take the Habsburgs' throne, it passed a law stripping them of their citizenship and banishing them forever, and this is the story of what Europe's most powerful family did across the hundred years that followed, from a dying emperor on a Portuguese island to the border picnic that helped bring down the Iron Curtain. Also watch: 🇦🇹🇭🇺 Austria-Hungary’s Desperate Final Weeks Before Total Collapse    • Austria-Hungary’s Desperate Final Weeks Be...   🇩🇪 Weimar Germany: The Republic That Destroyed Itself    • Weimar Germany: The Republic That Destroye...   Subscribe: 👉    / @thesleepyhistorianhistory   Research & script by Jordy Faijdherbe Voice over by Paolo Bellini CHAPTERS 00:00 Madeira 05:13 Horthy 11:03 Zita 17:03 Otto 22:39 After 📚 Sources CHR Application 17517/90 (Habsburg-Lothringen v. Austria) — the full legal text and mechanism of the 1919 Habsburg Law Die Welt der Habsburger (habsburger.net) — Karl's 1918 declaration, the Hungary restoration attempts, and Otto's path from crown prince to politician Kapuzinergruft Wien (kaisergruft.com) — Zita's 1989 funeral details and the Capuchin Crypt knock ritual UPI Archives, 1 April 1989 — eyewitness account of Zita's funeral procession Bundesregierung.de + BBC (Pan-European Picnic, 2019) — the 19 August 1989 border opening, Otto and Pozsgay as patrons, refugee numbers Diplomacy & Trade, "Picnic of the Century" — Lieutenant Colonel Árpád Bella's decision not to use weapons Leadersnet, April 2022 — Karl von Habsburg's ownership of Kraina FM radio in Kyiv CBS News / Catholic News Agency obituaries, July 2011 — Otto's death, the split burial, and the ~15,000 Austrians he helped escape Questions about any specific claim in this video? Ask me in the comments below 👇 ___________________________________________ The content presented in this video is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate historical information, some details may be subject to interpretation or debate. The views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily represent the opinion of The Sleepy Historian. This channel does not condone or glorify violence, discrimination, or hate speech of any kind. We aim to respectfully explore and discuss historical events, their impacts, and their legacies. #habsburg #habsburgdynasty #habsburgempire #historydocumentary #europeanhistory