The Habsburgs: To Rule the World

The Habsburgs had a very long history in Europe. They once controlled a large swatch of land (and most of the European wealth.) However, inbreeding eventually led to mental issues and the extinction of the male heirs. Eventually World War I led to the end of the empire, with the remainder of the family living primarily as celebrities.

During their history, they ruled over Spain and the new world empire as well as Austria, Hungary, the "low countries" and "yogoslav" areas. The control tended to vary. Different areas would have different degrees of autonomy over time. The Habsburg leadership mad their share of good and bad choices. However, genetics and cultural forces led to the downfall.