Franz Josef
Syllabification: (Franz Jo·sef)
Pronunciation: /ˌfränz ˈjōzəf, ˌfränts ˈyōzəf/
Definition of Franz Josef
- (1830–1916), emperor of Austria 1848–1916 and king of Hungary 1867–1916. He gave Hungary equal status with Austria in 1867. His annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908 contributed to European political tensions, and the assassination in Sarajevo of his heir apparent, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, precipitated World War I.