During the First World War, the monarchy quickly experienced a shortage of basic foodstuffs and coal, accompanied by a steep rise in prices; already in April 1915, a rationing system had to be introduced. Emperor Charles personally participated in the fighting, and he and his entire family lived in solidarity on war rations. Although the year 1918 marked the collapse of the monarchy, with tens of thousands more dead, the onset of the Spanish flu, and immense suffering for Charles personally, he had a solemn Te Deum served on December 31 for everything that this year brought. In response to objections, he replied:
This year has been hard, but it could have been much worse. We cannot only accept good things from God's hand, but we must be grateful for everything else, no matter how difficult and painful it may be. Did not this year bring the long-awaited end of the war? And for peace, every sacrifice and every renunciation is a justified and cheap price.
(Emperor Charles of Habsburg /1887–1922/)
