Albert of Saxony

Albert of Saxony (1828-1902), Catholic king of Protestant Saxony (1873-1902), noted for his military skills. At the age of 21, he served as a captain in the army of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein in their war against the Danes. In 1866, during the Seven Weeks' War between Austria and Prussia, Albert commanded a Saxon corps which distinguished itself at the decisive Battle of Königgrätz by a firm stand against the Prussians. In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, in which Saxony fought on the side of Prussia, Albert commanded the Saxon army that helped defeat the French at Gravelotte, France. He was then placed in command of the so-called Fourth Army, which fought at the Battle of Sedan, France, and took part in the siege of Paris. After the armistice, Albert commanded the German army that occupied France, and upon the declaration of peace he became an inspector general and field marshal of the German army. During his reign, Albert encouraged industrialization and administrative reforms. He left no heirs at his death, and was succeeded by his brother George.