Archduke Ferdinand
In 1854, Archduke Ferdinand (Maximiliano I), who was only 22 years old, became Commander-in-Chief of the Austrian Imperial Navy, the youngest Commander-in-Chief of the Navy after Archduke Friedrich.
In the minds of the senior officials of the Austrian Empire at that time, sea power had never been the core of policy. Therefore, the country's navy did not receive support from the royal family, the military, and most of the public. However, with the efforts of Archduke Ferdinand, the navy began to be recognized by the people. Pay attention and get a lot of money.
He devoted himself enthusiastically to the work of the Austrian Navy, further promoting modernization efforts, and during his tenure he created the Trieste naval base and a powerful combat fleet.
The Archduke began to drastically reform the Imperial Navy. He successively supported the Trieste Shipyard and the Pola Shipyard. These two shipyards later became the most important shipyards in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
In addition, he also sent a large number of talents to study in countries with advanced shipbuilding technology such as the United Kingdom, France, and Denmark, and at the same time vigorously supported capable military talents.
Admiral Tegelhoff, who later became a powerful figure in the Battle of Lisa, was one of them.
Archduke Ferdinand also launched a large-scale scientific expedition. During his tenure, the Austrian Navy completed its first circumnavigation of the world. It can be said that the Austrian Navy's subsequent glory in the Battle of Lisa was laid by the Archduke.