Maria Theresa was the first female ruler of Austria. At the age of 23, she ascended to the Habsburg throne. Known as one of Europe’s most formidable leaders, Empress Maria was celebrated for her administrative, educational, and economic reforms that laid the groundwork for a modernized Austrian empire. Her dedication to her people earned her the title "Mother of the Nation," and her legacy endures in Austria’s political and cultural landscape today.
The Early Years of Maria Theresa & Unexpected Path to Power
Born in Vienna in 1717, she was the eldest daughter of Emperor Charles VI and Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. She was raised not as a future ruler, but as the daughter of a dynastic family. Her education focused on courtly etiquette, music, and languages rather than political or military strategy. Her father, Emperor Charles VI, held onto the hope that he might still have a son to succeed him. However, when it became clear that Maria would be his heir, Charles issued the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713, establishing a legal basis for female succession in the Habsburg empire. This move allowed her to assume the throne upon his death in 1740, though it was met with resistance from European powers.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1736, Maria married Franz Stephan of Lorraine, who became her steadfast partner in rule. Despite bearing the title of Empress, she ruled independently, while Franz Stephan primarily handled administrative matters. Together, they had sixteen children, cementing alliances through strategic marriages across Europe. Known for her devotion as a mother, she balanced her responsibilities as both ruler and parent, often referring to herself as the "mother of her subjects."
The War of Austrian Succession
The Pragmatic Sanction, initially intended to secure her succession, failed to prevent political instability. When Maria took the throne, her legitimacy was challenged by Frederick the Great of Prussia, who invaded Silesia. This conflict ignited the War of Austrian Succession (1740–1748), forcing Empress Mariato defend her right to rule against a coalition of European powers. Her determination and courage during this period earned her respect among her subjects, solidifying her status as a resilient and capable leader.
Maria Theresa and Her Reforms
Empress Maria during her time period brought many reforms:
1. Administrative Reforms and Modernization
After securing her throne, Empress Maria Theresa set out to reform the Habsburg Empire’s outdated administrative structures. She centralized the government, curtailed the power of the nobility, and established a more efficient bureaucracy. By organizing territories under a unified administrative framework, she strengthened the empire’s cohesion and laid the groundwork for a modern Austrian state. Her reforms aimed at creating a self-sustaining monarchy, capable of competing with Europe’s other great powers.
2. Educational Reforms and Compulsory Schooling
One of Maria Theresa’s most notable contributions was her emphasis on education. In 1774, she introduced compulsory primary education for children across the Habsburg Empire, a groundbreaking step in ensuring literacy and social progress. This initiative, although initially hindered by a lack of resources and trained teachers, marked a pivotal shift toward universal education. Her commitment to education was reflected in institutions such as the Theresian Military Academy, which trained officers and instilled a sense of loyalty to the state.
3. Religious and Legal Reforms
Though deeply Catholic, Maria Theresa Austria was cautious of the Church’s influence on state matters. She reduced the power of the papacy within her territories and placed limits on the Church’s role in governance. Additionally, she took significant steps toward legal reform, although she maintained certain conservative positions, such as permitting torture until her son, Joseph II, abolished it in 1776. Moreover, her legal policies were driven by a desire to unify the empire’s diverse territories under a consistent legal framework, creating a more stable and just society.
4. Military Reforms and the Theresian Military Academy
Recognizing the importance of a well-trained military, Maria Theresa Austria founded the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt to modernize and professionalise Austria’s army. She developed capable leaders who could defend the empire in times of conflict. This institution was pivotal in enhancing Austria’s military prowess, and its graduates played key roles in subsequent European wars. Her reforms were validated in 1757, when Austria achieved a decisive victory against Prussia at the Battle of Kolín.
5. Economic and Agricultural Reforms
Empress Maria’s economic policies sought to improve self-sufficiency and stimulate growth. She abolished internal trade tariffs to create a unified market within her territories, thus improving the empire’s economic efficiency. Her support of agriculture included tax reforms aimed at benefiting small farmers, while encouraging settlement in less populated regions. Through these policies, she spurred economic development, setting Austria on a path to prosperity.
The Legacy of Empress Maria Theresa’s Reign
Empress Maria’s legacy is visible throughout Austria today, from the grand Schönbrunn Palace to the educational and military institutions she founded. Her impact on Austrian society and culture continues to resonate, with numerous streets, squares, and institutions bearing her name. Her likeness even graces the Maria Theresa Thaler, a silver coin that became widely used across Europe and the Middle East. Celebrated as a golden age for the Habsburg Monarchy, Maria Theresa’s reign showed political stability, social progress, and cultural flourishing. Her reforms, though initially motivated by a desire to consolidate her power, laid the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous society.
Places and Monuments
Vienna honours Empress Maria with monuments, including the grand statue at Maria-Theresien-Platz, between the Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum) and the Museum of Natural History (Naturhistorisches Museum). This statue, surrounded by her advisors, reflects her influential role in shaping Austria’s destiny.
During a private tour you can explore 24 of Schönbrunn Palace's most beautiful imperial rooms and chambers, including the private apartments of Maria Theresa.
At the Vienna Museum (Wien Museum) you can see a huge oil painting by Martin van Meytens (see picture), and a bronze bust at Kunsthistorisches Museum.
At the
Imperial Crypt, the Habsburgs famous burial place, the Empress lies side by side with her husband Franz Stephen in a richly decorated sarcophagus.