Rudolf I of Germany

Rudolf I was elected King of Germany by the prince-electors, ending the Great Interregnum. He was the first Habsburg to hold the German throne. His election restored stability to the Holy Roman Empire after a period of civil war and weak central authority.

Rudolf I formally renounced all imperial claims to the Papal States and recognized the temporal authority of the Pope. He also agreed to lead a crusade (which never materialized). This improved relations with the papacy and secured papal support for his rule.

Rudolf I defeated King Ottokar II of Bohemia at the Battle on the Marchfeld in Austria. Ottokar was killed in the battle. Rudolf then secured the duchies of Austria, Styria, and Carniola for the Habsburg dynasty, laying the foundation for their future power.

Rudolf I formally enfeoffed his sons Albert and Rudolf with the duchies of Austria and Styria at the Diet of Augsburg. This established the Habsburgs as a major territorial power in Central Europe. The grant was later confirmed by the imperial princes.