Archduke Ferdinand
In 1854, the 22-year-old Archduke Ferdinand (Maximiliano I) became the commander-in-chief of the Austrian Imperial Navy, the youngest naval commander after the Archduke Friedrich.
In the hearts of the high-level Austrian Empire at that time, sea power was never the core of policy, so the country’s navy did not receive the support of the royal family, the military, and most of the public. However, with the efforts of Archduke Ferdinand, the navy began to be favored by the people. Pay attention and get a lot of money.
He threw himself into the work of the Austrian Navy with fanaticism, further promoted the modernization work, created the Trieste naval base and a powerful combat fleet during his tenure
The Grand Duke began to make drastic reforms to the Imperial Navy. He successively supported the Trieste Shipyard and the Pola Shipyard. These two shipyards have since been the most important shipyards in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
And he also sent a large number of talents to study in countries with advanced shipbuilding technology such as Britain, France, and Denmark, and at the same time vigorously supported capable military talents.
Later, Admiral Teghoff, who was so powerful in the Lisa naval battle, was one of them.
Archduke Ferdinand also launched a large-scale scientific expedition. During his tenure, the Austrian Navy completed the first circumnavigation of the world. It can be said that the Austrian Navy's later glory in the Battle of Lissa was laid by the Archduke.
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