Sophie, Archduchess of Austria and Princess of Bavaria

Sophie Friederike Dorothee Wilhelmine, Archduchess of Austria and Princess of Bavaria (27 January 1805 – 28 May 1872) was born to King Maximilian I of Bavaria and his second wife, Karoline of Baden.

Related Topics:
27 January - 1805 - 28 May - 1872 - Maximilian I of Bavaria

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On 4 November 1824, she married Franz Karl, Archduke of Austria. They had four sons and a daughter, Franz Josef of Austria (later Emperor of Austria), Maximilian, Archduke of Austria and later Emperor of Mexico, Karl Ludwig, Archduke of Austria, Marie Anna Caroline Pia and Ludwig Victor of Austria.

Related Topics:
4 November - 1824 - Franz Karl, Archduke of Austria - Franz Josef of Austria - Maximilian, Archduke of Austria and later Emperor of Mexico - Karl Ludwig, Archduke of Austria - Marie Anna Caroline Pia - Ludwig Victor of Austria

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Her ambitions to place her oldest son on the Austrian throne was a constant theme in Austrian politics. At the time she was called "the only man at court". During the Revolution of 1848 she persuaded her somewhat feeble-minded husband to give up his rights to the throne in favour of Franz Josef. After his accession to the throne Sophie became the power behind the throne. Sophie is also remembered for her bad relationship with her daughter-in-law Elisabeth of Bavaria which has been a theme in long running musical about Elisabeth's life.

Related Topics:
Revolution of 1848 - Elisabeth of Bavaria

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Sophie kept a detailed diary most of her life which reveals much about Austrian court life. She withdrew from public life after the execution of the Mexican emperor, from which she never recovered. She died of a brain tumor in 1872.

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