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Karl-Alexander VurtamberskiyDuke of Württemberg (since 1733).
Date of Birth: 24.05.1684
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Karl Alexander I, Duke of Württemberg
- Early Life and Military Career
- Military Achievements
- Marriage and Family
- Karl Eugen (1728-1793), Duke of Württemberg from 1737
- Reign and Influence of Joseph Süß Oppenheimer
- Death
Karl Alexander I, Duke of Württemberg
Karl Alexander I (24 May 1684 - 12 March 1737) was the Duke of Württemberg from 1733. He belonged to a cadet branch of the ruling House of Württemberg.
Early Life and Military Career
At 13, Karl participated in the Turkish campaign under Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm of Baden. In 1699, he joined the Imperial Court in Vienna. In 1705, he fought in the War of the Spanish Succession under Prince Eugene of Savoy. He converted to Catholicism in 1712.
Military Achievements
Karl Alexander rose to the rank of Imperial Field Marshal General in 1717 for his services in the Turkish wars. After the peace of 1719, he became the governor of Belgrade and Serbia.
Marriage and Family
In 1727, Karl Alexander married Maria Augusta of Thurn and Taxis. Their children included:
Karl Eugen (1728-1793), Duke of Württemberg from 1737
Ludwig Eugen (1731-1795), Duke of Württemberg from 1793Friedrich Eugen (1732-1797), Duke of Württemberg from 1795
Accession to the Throne
In 1731, after the death of the Hereditary Prince Friedrich Ludwig, Karl Alexander became the heir presumptive to the Duchy of Württemberg. He succeeded to the throne in 1733 and took the name Karl I Alexander.
Reign and Influence of Joseph Süß Oppenheimer
During Karl Alexander's reign, Joseph Süß Oppenheimer, whom he had met in Wildbad in 1732, wielded considerable influence as the de facto ruler. Oppenheimer assisted Karl Alexander in modernizing and improving the economy of Württemberg. However, their relationship deteriorated in early 1737, possibly after Oppenheimer warned the Landtag of a planned coup.
Death
On 12 March 1737, the night of the planned coup, Karl Alexander died suddenly. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery, but it may have been related to the strained relationship with Oppenheimer.
