The House of Habsburg, one of Europe's most influential royal families, ruled over various European territories and kingdoms (1282-1918) for over 600 years.
Known for their practice of inbreeding, (the Habsburg jaw) particularly through frequent intermarriages within the family to maintain their power, wealth, and territories, this strategy led to a decline in the family's genetic health over generations.
The death of Charles II of Spain (1700), whose severe physical and mental health issues rendered him impotent and unable to produce an heir, would trigger the War of the Spanish Succession.
France and Spain supported Philip of Anjou, while Austria, the Dutch Republic and Great Britain backed his rival Archduke Charles of Austria.
Philip would prevail after renouncing any claim to the French throne; forever changing the landscape of European politics.
Known for their practice of inbreeding, (the Habsburg jaw) particularly through frequent intermarriages within the family to maintain their power, wealth, and territories, this strategy led to a decline in the family's genetic health over generations.
The death of Charles II of Spain (1700), whose severe physical and mental health issues rendered him impotent and unable to produce an heir, would trigger the War of the Spanish Succession.
France and Spain supported Philip of Anjou, while Austria, the Dutch Republic and Great Britain backed his rival Archduke Charles of Austria.
Philip would prevail after renouncing any claim to the French throne; forever changing the landscape of European politics.
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00:00The House of Habsburg, one of Europe's most influential royal families, ruled over various
00:08European territories and kingdoms for over 600 years. Known for their practice of inbreeding,
00:15particularly through frequent intermarriages within the family to maintain their power,
00:21wealth and territories, this strategy led to a decline in the family's genetic health
00:25over generations. The death of Charles II of Spain in 1700, whose severe physical and
00:32mental health issues rendered him impotent and unable to produce an heir, would trigger
00:38the War of the Spanish Succession. France and Spain supported Philip of Anjou, while
00:44Austria, the Dutch Republic and Great Britain backed his rival, Archduke Charles of Austria.
00:51Europe would prevail after renouncing any claim to the French throne, forever changing
00:56the landscape of European politics.