1) Noble families, under Habsburg dynasty, were free to establish themselves in territories and rule the land they acquired (Liechtensteins, Dietrichsteins, Eggenbergs - "200 families of counts in the Erblande by the end of 17th century").
Is this perhaps the reason which justify princes' and counts' loyalty to the Habsburg's crown?
The second is much more an opinion than a proper question.
The first reading is called "Habsburg Heartland" . In geopolitics terms, according to Mackinder, the founder of the following theory , the Heartland is the pivotal base of human and natural resources. Who rules Heartland, commands the world.
According to my personal point of view, the "Heartland" moment of Austria was during Charles V's enrichment of power. Human resources consisted in the millions of people ruled by the crown (also involving colonies post-1492) ; natural resources consisted in mercury deposits in Carinthia, exported throughout Europe, and iron production in Styria. Do you agree?
(sent via mail on 8/03)