ALBERT, Ger. ALBRECHT, The name borne by five dukes of Austria, of whom two (I. and V.) were also emperors of Ger many. ALBERT I., Archduke of Austria and Em peror of Germany, was the eldest son of Rudolph of Hapsburg, and was born in 1248. Rudolph, before his death, endeavored to have Albert ap pointed as his successor in the Empire; but the Electors, already aware of the tyranny of Albert, refused to comply. After the old king's death Austria and Styria revolted: but Albert, having vigorously crushed the rebellion, turned his at tention toward the Empire. 'The Archbishop of Mainz, an instrument of the Pope, secured the privilege of appointing the imperial candidate, and named Ids cousin, Adolphus of Nassau. in 1292. Albert took the oath of allegiance and quietly awaited developments. In 1298, Adol phus, who had disgusted his subjects, was de posed and Albert was elected. He was obliged to fight for the new honor, and met Ids rival in a battle near Worms. in which Adolphus was de feated and slain. Albert was crowned at Aix-la Chapelle in August, 1298; but Pope Boldface VIII. declared that he alone was emperor, and denied the right of the princes to elect Albert or to recognize him. Albert. however, made an alli ance with Philip the Fair of France, and seem. ing the neutrality of Saxony and Brandenburg, invaded the Electorate of Mainz and forced the Archbishop to make an alliance with him, thug securing a former ally of the Pope. Bonifaee was alarmed by his success and entered into negotiations with hint. As a result, Albert broke
his alliance with Philip, recognized the suprem acy of the Pope, and promised to defend the rights of the Roman court whenever called upon. Boldface then excommunicated Philip, and offered the throne to Albert in 1303; but Philip soon retaliated by getting the Papacy under the power of the French crown. After this Albert fought unsuccessfully against Holland, Zealand, Friesland, Hungary. Bohemia, and In January. 1308, news arrived of a rebellion among the Swiss in Unterwalden, Schwyz, and Uri, and the Emperor seized this pretext to sub jugate the country. An act of injustice, how ever, occasioned a crime which put an end to his life. His nephew, Duke John, claimed Swabia as his rightful inheritance, had urged his claims in vain. When Albert was departing for Switzerland, .John renewed his demands, but was refused, and so he resolved to be revenged. He conspired against his uncle's life and assas sinated him on the road to Rheinfelden, while separated from his followers by the River Reuss. The Emperor expired May 1, 1308, in the arms of a beggar woman. His daughter, Agnes, Queen of Hungary, revenged her father's death. (See JOHN, THE PARRICIDE.) Albert left six sons and five daughters, the children of his marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of the Count of Tyrol. The story of William Tell is connected with Albert I.