Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress, archduchess of Austria, and queen of Hungary and Bohemia, was a powerful ruler who transformed Austria into a major European power. Known for her reforms in fiscal policy, agriculture, and commerce, she also skillfully navigated conflicts with Prussia and expanded her empire through the partition of Poland. Maria Theresa was succeeded by her sons, Joseph II and Leopold II.

 

Maria Theresa of Austria, born on May 13, 1717, was one of the most formidable rulers of 18th-century Europe. As the eldest daughter of Emperor Charles VI, she was the designated heir to the Habsburg throne through the Pragmatic Sanction, a decree that allowed her to inherit the Habsburg dominions despite being a woman. However, her ascension to power in 1740 following her father’s death was not without challenges, as the succession was contested, sparking the War of the Austrian Succession.

Throughout her reign, Maria Theresa demonstrated remarkable resilience and political acumen. Although the war cost Austria the valuable province of Silesia to Frederick the Great of Prussia, she successfully defended the bulk of her inheritance. Her ability to maintain control over her empire, even in the face of external challenges, solidified her reputation as a capable and determined ruler.

One of Maria Theresa’s greatest achievements was her extensive program of internal reform. Recognizing the need for modernization, she worked tirelessly to improve Austria’s financial system. She introduced fiscal reforms that streamlined tax collection and reduced corruption, which, despite lowering taxes, resulted in increased national revenue. Her reforms also extended to agriculture, where she implemented policies that improved productivity and supported the rural economy. Commerce and industry also flourished under her rule, helping Austria become more economically competitive within Europe.

Maria Theresa’s success as a ruler was not only due to her intelligence and foresight but also her ability to surround herself with skillful and trusted advisors. She is credited with making shrewd decisions in selecting her ministers, many of whom were instrumental in helping her navigate Austria’s complex political landscape. Her reforms helped Austria rise as a European power to be reckoned with, strengthening its position both economically and militarily.

In foreign policy, Maria Theresa’s reign was marked by conflict with Prussia, particularly over the loss of Silesia to Frederick the Great. While the War of the Austrian Succession ended with Austria ceding Silesia, Maria Theresa remained a shrewd diplomat. She formed alliances with France and Russia in an effort to contain Prussian ambitions. Later in her reign, Maria Theresa participated in the First Partition of Poland in 1772, joining forces with Prussia and Russia to divide Polish territories. Through this action, she secured the acquisition of Galicia and Bukovina, further expanding Austrian influence.

Maria Theresa was also known for her role as a mother and matriarch. She married Francis Stephen of Lorraine in 1736, and together they had 16 children, 10 of whom survived to adulthood. Among her children were Joseph II, who succeeded her as Holy Roman Emperor, and Leopold II, who later also became emperor. Her daughter Marie Antoinette famously became queen of France through her marriage to Louis XVI.

Maria Theresa died on November 29, 1780, leaving behind a legacy of reform, diplomacy, and strong leadership. Her reign not only strengthened Austria but also reshaped the political landscape of Europe, setting the stage for her successors to continue the Habsburg legacy.