Effects
Emperor Charles IV refused to confirm the Privilegium Maius. However, the Habsburg Frederick V of Austria after his election as Holy Roman Emperor was able to grant himself permission to assume the archducal title, later again confirmed by his descendants Rudolf II and Charles VI. It did not, however, involve the electoral dignity itself and in 1519 Archduke Charles I had to borrow an enormous sum (almost 3 tonnes of gold) from Jacob Fugger to bribe the Prince-electors to secure his succession as rex Romanorum against his rival for the position, Francis I of France.
The Privilegium Maius had great influence on the Austrian political landscape. The Habsburg archduke arrogated an almost king-like position, and demonstrated this to outsiders through the usage of special insignia. The Habsburgs gained a new foundation for their rule in these lands; in a way, the House of Habsburg and Austria became a single unit. Thus, the forgery was a success. The family subsequently published special editions of the documents, and forbade all discussion of their authenticity.
With the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the Privilegium Maius finally lost its meaning. In 1852, it was proved a forgery by historian Wilhelm Wattenbach.
Read more about this topic: Privilegium Maius
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