ABSOLUTISM IN AUSTRIA Nikki Kuntz, Jordan Pocquat, Caitlin Vielstich, Julie Youpa, and Christianna Pepingco

AUSTRIA  The family dynasty in control of Austria was the Hapsburg Dynasty.  When her only brother died, Maria Theresa became the heir to the throne of Austria and Hungary, because the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 made it possible for a daughter to inherit the throne if there were no sons.  Maria Theresa was the archduchess of Austria and Holy Roman Empress of the Habsburg Dynasty from 1740 to 1780.

MARIA THERESA  born May 13, 1717, in Vienna, Austria.  considered an "Enlightened Absolutist," a ruler who, like her rival Frederick the Great of Prussia and Catherine the Great of Russia, instituted liberal reforms such as abolishing serfdom and instituting universal schooling, but always from above as an expression of the will of the ruler rather than that of the people

MARIA THERESA

HOW SHE CAME TO POWER  took the throne at the age of 23 (1740)  became the first Hapsburg ruler. (Austrian Empire consisted of Austria, Bohemia, and Hungary)  After the death of Charles VI (Maria Theresa's Father) in 1740, challenges to the Hapsburg lands led to the War of the Austrian Succession.

HOW SHE CAME TO POWER  The War of Austrian Succession began under the pretext that Maria Theresa was ineligible to succeed to the Hapsburg thrones of her father, because Salic Law prevented royal inheritance by a woman.  Since Charles VI had believed that his daughter would surrender power to her husband (Francis Stephen of Lorraine) he did not take the time to teach her the workings of the government.  Theresa knew she had to rely on her own judgment and strength of character.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS  Led financial and economic reforms with assistance from her advisors  Promoted commerce and trade  Reformed Austria’s education system  Overall strengthened Austria’s international standing

SIGNIFICANT FAILURES/ SHORTCOMINGS  Maria Theresa could never defeat Frederick II.  Only retain a small portion of Silesia due to Seven Years War  Could not expand the Austrian Empire significantly throughout her reign

CHARACTERISTICS  Centralized the empire’s power Count Frederick William Haugwitz United Bohemia and Austria Took power away from provincial states  Created an efficient bureaucracy

CHARACTERISTICS (CONINUED)  Imposed a more comprehensive and efficient system of tax collection  Preserved the monarchy during the War of the Austrian Succession  Control of armed forces Took military man-power from peasants and serfs