The death of Frederick II, Duke of Austria, in 1246 represents a pivotal moment in Austrian history as it marked the conclusion of the Babenberg dynasty's reign. The Babenbergs had long been instrumental in the formation of the Austrian state, establishing its political structures and influencing its territorial expansion during their rule. Following Frederick's death, the lack of a direct heir set off a turbulent and contentious period in which various noble families vied for power over the duchy. This struggle ultimately led to the fragmentation of Babenberg territories as rivalries intensified among local lords and aspiring rulers.

Compounding the situation was the political landscape of the region, which was characterized by the shifting allegiances of various noble houses and the growing influence of the Habsburgs, who would eventually emerge as the dominant force in Austrian politics. Frederick II's death and the subsequent power struggles illustrated the fragility of feudal rule in the face of succession crises and highlighted the significance of dynastic politics in medieval Europe. The political instability that followed Frederick's demise had ramifications that extended beyond Austria’s borders, influencing the dynamics of Central European power for generations.

As various factions attempted to assert their control over the duchy, external powers also sought to exploit the situation. The Holy Roman Empire, under the leadership of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, considered Austria a crucial territory, and this competition for influence further complicated the internal struggles for power. This event thus not only ended the Babenberg’s influence in Austria but also set the stage for the rise of the Habsburgs and a significant shift in regional power dynamics that would shape European history for centuries ahead.