Who Was Maria-Theresa Of Austria?

Maria-Theresa ruled in Austria between 1740 and 1780 during the years of the Enlightenment. She was just 24 years of age when she came to the throne and ruled the Austrian Empire for 40 years. At the time, Austria controlled the Holy Roman Empire ruled over by the Hapsburgs. The Empire included Hungry, the Netherlands and the German States. In effect, she ruled over a large part of central Europe. The Hapsburgs were also connected with the Spanish throne.

At the time, Austria and Prussia (ruled by Fredrick II) did not see eye to eye and Maria-Theresa found herself involved in campaigns throughout her reign. She generally disapproved of the Enlightenment 'philosophes' but did take some ideas on board, for instance, the relaxation of censorship, new educational policies and the removal of feudalism. She believed that the pope should be constrained, especially over land and population. Maria-Theresa raised 16 children and educated them in terms of culture, the arts and language.