Das Ohr des Fürsten. Der Wiener Hof um 1720

Abstract

This article examines Emperor Charles VI's diary entries from 1720 to 1725 with the intention of taking a closer look at the world he lived in. Although the entries describe singular and subjectively selected events which had transpired on some given day, and laconically dispensed with the need for further comment or syntax, the very mention of individual advisors points to their influence on the Emperor. So how often and when did Prince Eugen, the Spanish Secretary of State, Perlas, the Court Chancellor, Sinzendorf, or the Court favourite, Count Althann, feature in the notes? How often and when were they evidently consulted by the Emperor? The fact that certain advisers were especially close to the Regent during the negotiations with Spain over the settlement -the Ausgleich -of 1725 is clearly documented even though Charles VI would rarely note down the actual content of such talks. Only the reference that he talked with Prince Eugen or Perlas 'a lot' (original German: vill) is presented here. On occasion, such remarks are accompanied by a bare, simple reference to the issues at hand -'Spain' or 'Netherlands', for example.In addition, the diaries sometimes shed light on appointments to the Viennese Court and the competition for these positions.Despite their brevity, the notes offer an immediate insight into the decision-making of Charles VI as well as the influence wielded by some advisers by gaining 'access to the Emperor's ear' during the diplomatically troubled times of the 1720s. Consequently, the diaries constitute a unique documentary source for critically questioning favouritism at the Viennese Court of Charles VI as cited in several instances in research literature (keyword: Spanish 'faction').