Maria Theresa (1717-1780) was a Empress of Austria from 1740, when she succeeded her father, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI; her claim to the throne was challenged and she became embroiled, first in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), then in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763); she remained in possession of Austria but lost Silesia. The rest of her reign was peaceful.
Short Biography:
She married her cousin Francis of Lorraine in 1736, and on the death of her father became archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary and Bohemia. Her claim was challenged by Charles of Bavaria, who was elected emperor in 1742, while Frederick of Prussia occupied Silesia.
The War of the Austrian Succession followed, in which Austria was allied with Britain, and Prussia with Franc
e; when it ended in 1748, Maria Theresa retained her heritage, except that Frederick kept Silesia, while her husband had succeeded Charles as emperor in 1745.
Intent on recovering Silesia, she formed an alliance with France and Russia against Prussia; the Seven Years' War, which resulted, exhausted Europe and left the territorial position as before.
After 1763 she pursued a consistently peaceful policy, concentrating on internal reforms; although her methods were despotic, she fostered education, codified the laws, and abolished torture. She also expelled the Jesuits.
In these measures she was assisted by her son, Joseph II, who became emperor in 1765, and succeeded her in the Habsburg domains.
Why is Maria Theresa famous?
Maria Theresa was the only female ruler of Austria and the last of the House of Habsburg.
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Maria Theresa (1717-1780) was a Empress of Austria from 1740, when she succeeded her father, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI; her claim to the throne was challenged and she became embroiled, first in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), then in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763); she remained in possession of Austria but lost Silesia. The rest of her reign was peaceful.
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