November 11, 1918: The Austro-Hungarian armies are defeated, and the Habsburg multi-ethnic state is in the process of disintegration. In Schönbrunn, Emperor Karl faces a fateful decision: the men of the Republic urge him to sign the abdication declaration. After a long hesitation and intense discussion with Empress Zita, Karl signs the document with a pencil. A behind-the-scenes look reveals gripping insights into the events surrounding the end of Habsburg rule, with newly discovered sources documenting the dramatic occurrences. To this day, numerous legends, clichés, and misconceptions surround Emperor Karl and his family. How did the transfer of power to the representatives of the Republic actually take place? This and many other exciting questions about the end of Habsburg rule in Austria.