Prince Johann I.   1805 - 1836

Johann I (born in 1760, died in 1836) chose the military career bracket like Prince Wenzel. During the Napoleonic Wars he participated in many battles and distinguished himself especially by his courage and determination. After Austria had lost the decisive battles, Johann I was promoted field marshal and was assigned with the supreme command over the Austrian army. He was also entrusted with the peace negotiations. Napoleon dictated conditions for Austria which were quite hard. As Johann I entered the commitments for Austria, he was accused of lack of diplomatic skills. In 1810 Johann I retrieved from all stately business. He now consecrated himself to the administration of his goods and the Princely Art Collection.

In 1806 Napoleon incorporated the Principality of Liechtenstein in the Confederation of the Rhine and made it a sovereign state. At the Vienna Congress the sovereignty of Liechtenstein was approved. Domestically, the reign of Johann I was characterised by forward-looking reforms, but also by his absolutist governing style.