Albert I

Albert I. (Albeecht), Duke of Austria, son of Rudolph of Hapsburg, founder of the famous dynasty, born in 1248. He succeeded his father in 1291 and endeavoured to usurp the Imperial crown, which the electors ultimately conferred on him, after deposing Adolphus of Nassau. However, the Pope never ratified their choice. By his cruelty and greed he provoked his Swiss subjects to revolt and to form a confederation. Whilst endeavouring to crush this movement he was murdered by his nephew John, whom he had deprived of his rights in Suabia.