absolutism in austria nikki kuntz, jordan pocquat, caitlin vielstich, julie youpa, and christianna...
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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
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.
ACCOMPLISHMENTSLed 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