Karl II. von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (full name:Karl Friedrich August Wilhelm) was born on 10 October 1804 in Braunschweig, Fürstentum Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, Heiliges Römisches Reich. Karl II was born into the House of Welf, one of the oldest and most prestigious noble families in Europe. His early life was shaped by the political turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars, during which his father played a significant role as a military leader. He was the Duke of Brunswick (Braunschweig) from 16 June 1815 until 20 April 1831.
Karl II was the son of Duke Friedrich Wilhelm Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and Marie von Baden. He became the reigning Duke of Brunswick at the age of 11 following the death of his father in 1815. Due to his minority, a regency was established, first under the leadership of his uncle, George IV of the United Kingdom, until 1823, and later under his own administration.
Karl's reign was characterized by attempts to centralize power and modernize the administration of Brunswick. However, his authoritarian style of governance and resistance to liberal reforms led to widespread dissatisfaction. The July Revolution of 1830 in France inspired similar uprisings in the German states, including Brunswick, where Karl was forced to flee after the storming of his palace.
After his deposition, Karl II spent much of his life in exile, primarily in Paris and Geneva. He was known for his eccentric lifestyle and amassed a significant fortune, much of which was spent on his lavish lifestyle. Despite several attempts, he was never able to regain his ducal throne.
Karl II died on 18 August 1873 in Geneva. He was buried in the Cimetière des Rois in Geneva.
This week's featured connections are Redheads: Karl is 12 degrees from Catherine of Aragón, 21 degrees from Clara Bow, 24 degrees from Julia Gillard, 15 degrees from Nancy Hart, 16 degrees from Rutherford Hayes, 13 degrees from Rita Hayworth, 18 degrees from Leonard Kelly, 12 degrees from Rose Leslie, 15 degrees from Damian Lewis, 19 degrees from Maureen O'Hara, 22 degrees from Jopie Schaft and 31 degrees from Eirik Thorvaldsson on our single family tree. Login to see how you relate to 33 million family members.
B > Braunschweig > Karl Friedrich August Wilhelm Braunschweig
Categories: Braunschweig, Niedersachsen