Emperor Franz Joseph I was the ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1848 until his death in 1916. He ascended to the throne during a time of political upheaval and worked to stabilize his empire through a series of reforms. His reign saw significant changes, including the establishment of the Dual Monarchy in 1867, which granted greater autonomy to Hungary. Franz Joseph was known for his conservative policies and strong military focus. He faced numerous challenges, including nationalist movements within his empire and the complexities of managing diverse ethnic groups. His long reign ended with the onset of World War I, which ultimately led to the empire's dissolution.