Biography:

• Full Name: Maria Theresia Walburga Amalia Christina
• Birth and Death: Born on 13 May 1717, died on 29 November 1780.
• Reign: She ruled the Habsburg dominions from 1740 until her death in 1780, being the only woman to hold the position in her own right (suo jure).

Titles and Territories:

• Sovereign Territories:
• Austria
• Hungary
• Croatia
• Bohemia
• Transylvania
• Mantua
• Milan
• Galicia and Lodomeria
• Austrian Netherlands
• Parma
• By Marriage:
• Duchess of Lorraine
• Grand Duchess of Tuscany
• Holy Roman Empress

Historical Significance:

• War of Austrian Succession: Maria Theresa’s accession triggered the War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748), which saw her defending her right to the throne against various European powers.
• Reforms: She is known for her extensive administrative reforms, which included centralizing and modernizing the Habsburg bureaucracy, reforming the tax system, and improving military efficiency.
• Cultural Patronage: Maria Theresa supported education and the arts, founding institutions such as the Theresian Military Academy and promoting cultural development within her dominions.

Personal Life:

• Marriage: She married Francis Stephen of Lorraine in 1736, who became Holy Roman Emperor as Francis I.
• Children: Maria Theresa had 16 children, including notable figures such as Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, and Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor.

Legacy:

• Education and Health: She emphasized the importance of education and introduced compulsory primary education. She also reformed the healthcare system and instituted measures for public health.
• Legal Reforms: Maria Theresa worked on legal reforms to ensure a more equitable justice system.
• Economic Policies: Her economic policies aimed at strengthening the Habsburg economy, encouraging agricultural development, and promoting trade.

Art and Representation:

• Painting by Andreas Moeller: Maria Theresa was depicted by various artists, including Andreas Moeller, whose paintings capture her regal presence and significance as a ruler.

Maria Theresa remains a pivotal figure in European history, known for her strong leadership, extensive reforms, and influence on the Habsburg Empire’s stability and prosperity.