The establishment of the Habsburg Empire in Europe was largely driven by strategic marriages and alliances during the late Middle Ages. The Habsburg family, originally from Switzerland, expanded their influence through a series of dynastic unions, notably with the marriage of Maximilian I to Mary of Burgundy in the 15th century, which brought vast territories into their domain. This led to the accumulation of power in Austria and the establishment of a complex multi-ethnic empire, ultimately becoming one of the most significant political forces in Europe. The Habsburgs played a crucial role in shaping European politics until their decline in the early 20th century.