Maria Theresa

Maria Theresa was born to Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI and Elisabeth Christina of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. She was the first daughter and second child of the imperial couple.

Maria Theresa begins her formal education, which includes religious instruction, languages, music, and dance, under the guidance of tutors and governesses.

Maria Theresa marries Francis Stephen of Lorraine, who later becomes Duke of Lorraine and Grand Duke of Tuscany. The marriage is arranged to secure an alliance and strengthen her position.

Following the death of her father, Charles VI, Maria Theresa ascends to the thrones of Bohemia, Hungary, and Croatia, and becomes Archduchess of Austria. Her accession is contested by several European powers.

Maria Theresa faces a coalition led by Prussia, Bavaria, and France challenging her right to rule. The War of Austrian Succession begins, testing her leadership and resolve.

Maria Theresa's husband, Francis Stephen, is crowned Holy Roman Emperor as Francis I. This strengthens her position and legitimizes her rule.

The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle is signed, ending the War of Austrian Succession. Maria Theresa retains most of her territories but loses Silesia to Prussia, marking a significant territorial loss.

Maria Theresa allies with France, Russia, and Saxony to reclaim Silesia from Prussia. The Seven Years' War begins, a global conflict that tests her military and diplomatic skills.

Maria Theresa's husband, Francis I, dies. Her eldest son, Joseph II, becomes co-ruler and Holy Roman Emperor. This marks a significant shift in the governance of the Habsburg territories.

Maria Theresa implements significant educational reforms, establishing the Theresianum, a secondary school for the nobility, and promoting literacy and educational standards across the empire.

Maria Theresa dies in Vienna, having ruled the Habsburg territories for 40 years. Her legacy includes significant administrative, economic, and social reforms that shaped the Austrian Empire.