Maria Theresa
The Austrian Sucession 1740-1748
Biography
Maria Theresa was born in 1717 and was the daughter of Charles VI. She became the Hapsburg Empress at the age of 23, but had slim chances of staying in power. Charles VI persuaded European rulers to recognize his daughter's right to succeed him, but after Charles' death, his request was ignored. Even though European rulers didn't recognize her right to succeed, Maria maintained control of her empire and ruled for 40 years. Under her reign, Vienna became a center for music and the arts. Under her rule, Austria became a strong Catholic state. She gave birth to sixteen children, among them were Joseph II and Queen Marie Antoinette. She died in 1780.
"Our lives and blood for you Majesty" -Hungarian nobles
Map of the Austrian Succession
The Austrian Succession
The Austrian Succession was a result of European rulers not recognizing Maria Theresa's succession to the House of Hapsburg. Austria had support from Great Britain and Russia in the war. During the war, Maria Theresa was unable to force out Frederick II of Prussia, who had seized Silesia, a province of Hapsburg. Maria was able to strengthen Hapsburg by recognizing bureaucracy and improving tax collection. She made nobles and clergy pay taxes to ease the burden of taxes and labor services on peasants. Her successor, Joseph II, extended her reforms.