Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Hofer, Andreas
HOFER, ANDREAS (huh'fer), a
Tyrolese patriot; born in St. Leonard, in
the valley of Passeyr, in 1767. When
the Tyrol, long a part of the Austrian
dominions, was given by the treaty of
Presburg to the King of Bavaria, then
the ally of Napoleon, the Tyrolese
revolted, and Andreas Hofer became their
leader. Within a week from the
outbreak of the insurrection, early in April,
1809, the Bavarian forces were everywhere
defeated and the Tyrol freed.
Three French armies then invaded the
province, and after temporary success
on their part, Hofer won the victory of
Innspruck, and again freed his country.
By the armistice of Znaim, agreed to
after the victory of Napoleon at
Wagram, the Austrians were compelled to
quit the Tyrol. A second French invasion
ended in defeat, and the people were
a third time freed. For a few weeks
Hofer was, virtually, sovereign of his
country; but on the renewed invasion of
French and Bavarians, he was betrayed
to his enemies, condemned by a court-martial
at Mantua, and shot Feb. 20,
1810.