WHO
Who was was she?
The archduchess of Austria, only female ruler of Austria, and a holy Roman empress(due to her marriage with emperor Francis I.)
What makes her unique?
her loyalty and reputation for honoring her word.
When did she rule?
1740-1780
Where is her seat of power located?
Vienna, Austria
Why is Maria important or special?
She was one of the first women to become a monarch in Europe during her time. Despite the fact that women aren’t typically allowed to inherit the thrown, she proved herself as a capable leader. She made significant changes in education, governing, and the legal system. She changed Austria, and made it more modern Austrian Empire.
What is her full name?
Maria Theresa Walburga Amelia Christina.
What did she do during her reign that stands out?
Maria Theresa modernized the Habsburg Empire
(with reforms in education, taxation, and government while strengthening the military and reducing the Church’s power. She preserved her empire despite many challenges and left a lasting impact on European history.)
When was she born
May 13, 1717
Where did she grow up?
Vienna (the imperial capital)
Why should we remember Maria Theresa of Austria?
For her resilience in defending Austria during wars such as the war of succession. Her reforms of education, legal system, and the overall wellbeing of her people. During all her work she maintained control over her empire.
What was her family history?
She was the daughter of Emperor Charles VI and Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, and belonged to the powerful Habsburg family.
What are some fun facts about her?
She was the eldest daughter of Charles in Habsburg and her enemy was Prussia.
When did Maria Theresa die?
extra:how old was she when she died?
November 29,1780
at the age of 63
What areas did she control?
Austria, Hungary, and Croatia.
How did she change history during her reign?
she shifted Austria’s alliances during the diplomatic revolution
How did she come to power?
Maria Theresa became ruler after her father's death in 1740, following the Pragmatic Sanction, which allowed her to inherit the Habsburg lands despite opposition from European powers not wanting a women to be in charge.
What do people remember most about her?
She is remembered as a major figure in women’s history by being a monarch forty years in one of the largest empires in Europe.
What major events happened during her reign? (describe in detail)
The war of of Austrian succession in 1740-1748. After her fathers passing although she was the only heir, European powers didn't think she had a right to the throne because she’s a women.
Were her changes positive or negative?
Her changes were positive in the long term, but in the past they were seen as risky and her subjects thought they were negative.