Answer:
The Habsburgs of Austria-Hungary exerted their control over half of Europe primarily through inter-marriage with other royal families. This strategic practice of forming alliances through marriage helped the Habsburgs expand their influence and establish political connections across different regions. While advances in weaponry certainly played a role in their military campaigns, it was the dynastic marriages that allowed them to forge political alliances and acquire territories, rather than bribing the pope or defeating the French Bourbon kings.