Maria Theresia facts for kids

Maria Theresia is a name shared by several important historical figures, but the most famous is Maria Theresa of Austria (1717-1780). She was a powerful ruler who led the Habsburg Monarchy, a large empire in Central Europe, for 40 years. She was the only female ruler of the Habsburg lands and became one of the most important leaders in European history.

Maria Theresa: A Powerful Empress

Maria Theresa was born in Vienna, Austria, on May 13, 1717. Her parents were Emperor Charles VI and Empress Elisabeth Christine. She was the oldest child of the Emperor and was not expected to rule because women usually could not inherit the throne. However, her father worked hard to change the rules so she could become his successor.

Becoming a Ruler

When her father, Emperor Charles VI, died in 1740, Maria Theresa became the ruler of the Habsburg lands. This included places like Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, and parts of Italy. Many European leaders had promised to accept her as ruler, but some broke their promises. This led to a big conflict called the War of the Austrian Succession. Maria Theresa fought bravely to keep her lands and eventually secured her position as ruler. She was crowned Queen of Hungary in 1741.

Her Reign and Reforms

During her long reign, Maria Theresa made many important changes to her empire. She worked to make the government stronger and more efficient. She also improved the army, making it one of the best in Europe.

One of her biggest achievements was in education. She believed that education was important for everyone, not just the wealthy. She founded schools and universities, including the famous University of Innsbruck. She also reformed the legal system and tried to make taxes fairer. Her goal was to make her empire modern and strong.

Family Life and Legacy

Maria Theresa married Francis Stephen of Lorraine in 1736. They had 16 children together, including the future Emperor Joseph II and Marie Antoinette, who later became Queen of France. She was a devoted mother and ruler, often balancing her family duties with her responsibilities to the empire.

Maria Theresa is remembered as a wise and determined ruler. She strengthened the Habsburg Monarchy and left a lasting impact on Europe. Her reforms helped shape the future of Austria and its surrounding regions.

Images for kids

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  Painting of three-year-old Maria Theresa in the gardens of Hofburg Palace

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  Archduchess Maria Theresa, by Andreas Möller

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  Maria Theresa's procession through the Graben, 22 November 1740. The pregnant queen is on way to hear High Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral before receiving homage.

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  Maria Theresa being crowned Queen of Hungary, St. Martin's Cathedral, Pressburg

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  Maria Theresa as the Queen of Hungary

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  Engraved by Gustav Adolph Müller after Martin van Mytens, the Younger, Maria Theresa of Austria, 1742, engraving

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  The Battle of Kolín, 1757

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  Maria Theresa with her family, 1754, by Martin van Meytens

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  Mural by Franz Anton Maulbertsch in the Hofburg, Innsbruck, commissioned by Maria Theresa in remembrance of her daughters who died in childhood: Maria Johanna (1750–1762), Maria Elisabeth (1737–1740), Maria Carolina (1740–1741) and Maria Carolina (1748–1748)

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  Maria Theresa and her family celebrating Saint Nicholas, by Archduchess Maria Christina, in 1762

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  Joseph, Maria Theresa's eldest son and co-ruler, in 1775, by Anton von Maron

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  Confirmation of Serbian Privileges, issued by Maria Theresa in 1743

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  Maria Theresa in 1762, by Jean-Étienne Liotard

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  Maria Theresa depicted on her Thaler

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  Maria Theresa as a widow in 1773, by Anton von Maron. Peace holds the olive crown above her head, reaffirming Maria Theresa's monarchical status. This was the last commissioned state portrait of Maria Theresa.

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  Maria Theresa and her husband are interred in the double tomb which she had inscribed as a widow.

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  Oath of allegiance ceremony of cabinet II of Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz in the Maria Theresa Room of the Hofburg palace (2020)

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  Hungarian President László Sólyom with U.S. President George W. Bush in the Maria Theresa Room of Sándor Palace (2006)

See also

In Spanish: María Teresa I de Austria para niños