Austrian Empire

The Austrian Empire, officially known as the Empire of Austria, was a multinational European great power from 1804 to 1867, created by proclamation out of the realms of the Habsburgs. During its existence, it was the third most populous monarchy in Europe after the Russian Empire and the United Kingdom, while geographically, it was the third-largest empire in Europe after the Russian Empire and the First French Empire.

The Austrian Empire, founded in 1804 by Francis II and lasting until the formation of Austria-Hungary in 1867, was a major European power with third most population and third largest territory. The empire was created as a response to Napoleon's declaration of the French Empire and initially comprised all Habsburg possessions under one central government. During its existence, it fought against Napoleon several times but eventually emerged victorious in the war leading to Congress of Vienna which reaffirmed its status as one of great powers. After losing to Prussia in 1866, Austria adopted the Austro-Hungarian Compromise that joined Kingdom of Hungary and Empire of Austria into dual monarchy called Austria-Hungary.