Kaunitz

Kaunitz, Wenzelius Anton, Prince von (1711-94), a great Austrian diplomatist, was born at Vienna. Like Talleyrand, he was destined for the priesthood, and actually received orders; but, as his elder brother died, he was able very soon to enter upon the career of a diplomatist. He was named Aulic Councillor in 1735, and, having gained some distinction in missions to several of the Italian courts, was entrusted in 1744 with the then important post of minister to the Austrian Netherlands, where he for some time acted as Governor. In 1748 he signed the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle on behalf of Austria, and two years later was sent as minister to Versailles. Here, with the help of Madame de Pompadour, he accomplished a revolution in European politics by putting an end to the hereditary rivalry of the Hapsburgs and Bourbons. Thus in the Seven Years' War Austria had the assistance of her old foe in the struggle with her young rival, Prussia, against which power Kaunitz and Maria Theresa directed all their efforts. From this time Kaunitz, now Chancellor, guided all the counsels of the Empress. Like her, he was opposed to the partition of Poland. Although he approved of the reforms of Joseph II., he had not equal influence with that monarch; but during the short reign of Leopold II. (1790-92) he resumed his pre-eminence. On the accession of Francis II. he was compelled by old age to retire.