Franz Joseph II vs Philip III of Spain

Franz Joseph II became Prince of Liechtenstein at age 32, succeeding his great-uncle Franz I. He inherited a small, impoverished principality facing pressure from Nazi Germany and the threat of absorption into the Greater German Reich.

Franz Joseph II kept Liechtenstein neutral throughout World War II, resisting pressure from Nazi Germany to join the Axis. He maintained diplomatic relations with both sides and protected the principality's sovereignty, though the country was economically dependent on Germany.

At the end of World War II, Franz Joseph II allowed approximately 500 Russian soldiers of the pro-German Russian Liberation Army to seek refuge in Liechtenstein. Despite Soviet demands for repatriation, he refused to extradite them, and most were eventually granted asylum in Argentina.

Franz Joseph II oversaw Liechtenstein's transformation from a poor agricultural state into a wealthy industrial and financial center. He attracted foreign investment, developed the manufacturing sector, and established low-tax policies that made the principality a tax haven.

Franz Joseph II signed the law granting women the right to vote in national elections, following a referendum that narrowly passed. Liechtenstein was one of the last European countries to introduce women's suffrage, a reform the prince had supported.

Philip III delegated the governance of Spain to his favorite, the Duke of Lerma, who effectively ruled as a prime minister. Lerma's administration was marked by corruption, favoritism, and a decline in royal authority, contributing to the economic and political decline of Spain.

Under Philip III, the Spanish crown declared bankruptcy for the third time in its history, unable to service its massive debts from the Habsburg wars. The bankruptcy led to a suspension of payments to creditors and a further deterioration of Spain's financial position.

Philip III of Spain ordered the expulsion of the Moriscos, descendants of Muslims who had converted to Christianity, from Spain. Over 300,000 Moriscos were forced to leave, primarily to North Africa. The expulsion caused a significant demographic and economic decline, particularly in Valencia and Aragon.

Philip III signed the Twelve Years' Truce with the Dutch Republic, effectively recognizing Dutch independence from Spain. The truce ended the Eighty Years' War for a period, but it was seen as a sign of Spanish weakness and a concession to the rebellious provinces.