He reigned at a historical turning point; he was the last of the knights and the first ruler in a new age. He was also the first of the Habsburgs to shift the dynasty’s focus from central to western Europe. His first marriage, to Mary of Burgundy, brought with it the territories of what is now Belgium and the Netherlands as well as parts of northern France – and also French enmity. His second marriage, to Bianca Maria Sforza, opened the gates to Italy. Through Maximilian’s marriage policy, the Spanish succession finally passed to the House of Habsburg. When Maximilian received the title to the Tyrol in 1490, he made it the base for his political and military plans and the centre of his Italian policy. The silver and copper mines in Schwaz were a source of wealth; the mint in Hall brought in money, and local gun foundries and armouries held promise of military advantage.
In order to guarantee the independence of the Tyroleans, Emperor Maximilian issued a national defence proclamation called the “Landlibell” in 1511, granting his subjects exemption from military service except for the defence of the Tyrol’s own borders.
WINTER OLYMPICS IN INNSBRUCK
Later in 1964 A.D., the city hosted the Winter Olympics and in 1976 again it served as host or winter Olympics. It also hosted Winter Paralympics in 1984 and in 1988 A.D. and Innsbruck also hosted the winter youth Olympics in 2012 A.D. Innsbruck over the years has become a famous winter sports destination for athletes and recreational skiers.
Also, during winters skiers flock to Innsbruck for winter sports activities.