Harnessing Religion to the Imperial Cause

Abstract

Religion plays a central role in any monarchical system, for it is God Himself who is considered the fount of monarchical power. Imperial regimes, like monarchical ones, used religion to legitimate as well as to project their power. This chapter discusses Franz Joseph of Austria’s Catholic piety and how Napoleon I instrumentalized religion and clashed with the pope. It analyses the Feast of the Saint-Napoleon, which Napoleon III used to project his power, and the Hohenzollerns’ presentation of themselves as the defenders of Protestantism. The renovation of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, a huge programme of church building in the Prussian lands, and Wilhelm II’s three most prestigious church projects are discussed in detail.