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  Maria Theresia

  (*1717, +1780)

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  Maria Theresia

  (*1717, +1780)

  Maria Theresa was born as the eldest daughter of Emperor Charles VI Since her father had long hoped for a male heir to the throne, she was not raised as a future ruler. She learned courtly manners, music, dance and languages – but not politics or military affairs. When her father died unexpectedly, Maria Theresa became ruler of the Habsburg Empire at the age of only 23. Many doubted her ability to rule, mainly because she was a woman. But she proved herself to be courageous, determined and politically astute.

  Right at the beginning of her reign, she had to assert herself in the War of the Austrian Succession. She defended her empire against several European states and secured her power. She then began to fundamentally reform the state: she standardised the administration, abolished special privileges for the nobility and the church, modernised the army and promoted the economy. Education was particularly important to her – in 1774, she introduced compulsory education for children, a milestone for the future of Austria. She also broke new ground in foreign policy: she formed an alliance with France and married her children to members of the Bourbon dynasty. This policy led to the Seven Years' War, in which she attempted to reconquer the economically important region of Silesia – in vain.

  In her private life, Maria Theresa was a strict but devoted mother. She had 16 children with her husband Franz Stephan of Lorraine. Their marriage was considered particularly warm and intimate – a rarity in court circles, where political interests often took precedence. After her husband's death in 1765, she mourned deeply, withdrew from public life and appeared only as a widow. Nevertheless, she remained politically active and ruled together with her son Joseph II, who later became emperor. Working together was not always easy, as Maria Theresa became increasingly conservative in her old age, while Joseph wanted to push ahead with reforms.

  Maria Theresa died of pneumonia on 29 November 1780 in the Vienna Hofburg. She was buried in the Kapuzinergruft, together with Franz Stephan in a large double sarcophagus.

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  Franz Stephan von Lothringen

  (*1708, +1765)

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  Franz Stephan von Lothringen

  (*1708, +1765)

  Husband of Maria Theresa

  Franz Stephan came from the Duchy of Lorraine, which lay between France and the Holy Roman Empire and was under considerable political pressure. In order to strengthen ties with the Habsburgs, he was sent to the court in Vienna as a child, where he met Maria Theresa. The two married in 1736 – a union that was significant both politically and personally.

  Franz Stephan had to give up his duchy in order to marry. In return, he received Tuscany and was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1745. Franz Stephan played a reserved role in government. He was not a military leader, but a quiet, educated man with an interest in science, economics and the Enlightenment. He founded the Schönbrunn Zoo and laid the foundation for the Natural History Museum in Vienna. He was also successful economically and supported Maria Theresa financially.

  Franz Stephan died unexpectedly in Innsbruck in 1765. Maria Theresa mourned deeply and had him buried in the Capuchin Crypt in Vienna – together with her in the famous double sarcophagus. Although he often stood in his wife's shadow, Franz Stephan was an important part of Habsburg history – as a reliable partner, patron of science and bridge to the Enlightenment.

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  Friedrich II. von Preußen

  (*1712, +1786)

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  Friedrich II. von Preußen

  (*1712, +1786)

  Opponent of Maria Theresa

  Frederick II was King of Prussia and went down in history as "Frederick the Great". He was brought up in a strict and authoritarian manner, but developed into a clever military commander and reformer. His motto was: "First servant of the state".

  He waged several wars against Austria, including the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. The region of Silesia, which he wrested from Maria Theresa, was particularly hotly contested – a heavy loss for the Habsburg monarch. The two became bitter enemies, and their hostility shaped European politics of the time.

  Despite his military successes, Frederick was also an artist and philosopher. He played the flute, composed music and cultivated contacts with thinkers such as Voltaire. He implemented reforms, abolished torture and promoted education and tolerance.

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  Maria Karolina Fuchs-Mollard

  (*1675, +1762)

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  Maria Karolina Fuchs-Mollard

  (*1675, +1762)

  Confidants of Maria Theresa

  Maria Karolina, known as "Charlotte" or affectionately as "Mami", was Maria Theresa's governess and later her chief lady-in-waiting. She came to the Viennese court as a young girl and was appointed governess to Archduchesses Maria Theresa and Maria Anna in 1728. A close, almost familial relationship developed between her and Maria Theresa, which lasted a lifetime.

  Even when Maria Theresa became Empress, "Mami" remained at her side. She was an important confidante for the ruler. Her calmness, cheerfulness and sensitivity made her very popular at court.

  Maria Theresa honoured her in a special way: after her death in 1762, she had her buried in the Capuchin Crypt as the only non-Habsburg. On the coffin is a personal dedication from the Empress – a sign of deep gratitude for a woman who had a decisive influence on her life.

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  Kaiserin Elisabeth Christine

  (*1691, +1750)

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  Kaiserin Elisabeth Christine

  (*1691, +1750)

  Mother of Maria Theresa

  Elisabeth Christine was married to Emperor Charles VI at the age of just 16. She was considered beautiful and educated and was known in Vienna as "die Weiße Liesl" (the White Liesl). Her task was clear: to give birth to a male heir to the throne as soon as possible. But it was not until eight years later that her first child was born – a son, who died at an early age. She then had three daughters, including Maria Theresa.

  Elisabeth Christine had little political influence at the Viennese court. She was politely but firmly excluded from government affairs by her husband and later also by her daughter Maria Theresa. She was deeply disappointed by the lack of a male heir. She withdrew from public life and suffered from health problems.

  Elisabeth Christine died in Vienna in 1750 and was buried in the Capuchin Crypt. As the mother of Maria Theresa, she remains an important figure in the history of the Habsburgs – even though she herself was never at the centre of power.

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  Kaiser Karl VI.

  (*1685, *1740)

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  Kaiser Karl VI.

  (*1685, *1740)

  Father of Maria Theresa

  Charles VI was a rather quiet and reserved ruler who attached great importance to courtly traditions, pomp and ceremony. As the last "Baroque emperor", he loved music, art and hunting – and promoted many building projects, including the famous St. Charles's Church in Vienna. Music was particularly close to his heart: he was a talented musician himself and organised grand operas and concerts at the Viennese court.

  Although he tried to secure his daughter's position as heir, he left her a weakened empire with empty coffers and a poorly organised army after his death. Maria Theresa had to assert herself alone after his death – without money, without soldiers, but with a great deal of courage. The difficult situation led directly to the War of the Austrian Succession, in which she proved herself to be a strong ruler.

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  Johann Christoph von Bartenstein

  (*1698, +1767)

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  Johann Christoph von Bartenstein

  (*1698, +1767)

  Advisor to Maria Theresa

  Johann Christoph von Bartenstein came from a middle-class family in Strasbourg and grew up in a strictly Protestant environment. He enjoyed a meteoric rise at the Viennese court, rising from secretary to become a close advisor to Emperor Charles VI and later to Maria Theresa.

  He was a clever diplomat and played a decisive role in securing Maria Theresa's succession to the throne. During the difficult early years of her reign, he stood loyally by her side and supported her against her political opponents.

  In addition to his work in foreign policy, Bartenstein was also responsible for administration and the economy. He was not popular with everyone – some considered him arrogant – but Maria Theresa held him in high regard. She once said, "Without him, everything would have fallen apart."

  Throughout his life, Bartenstein remained a loner without his own network of power, but his achievements for the Habsburg Monarchy were significant.

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  Joseph II.

  (*1741, +1790)

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  Joseph II.

  (*1741, +1790)

  Son of Maria Theresa

  Joseph II was the long-awaited male heir to the throne of Maria Theresa and Francis Stephen and their fourth child. After his father's death, he became Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1765 and initially ruled the Habsburg Monarchy together with his mother, then alone from 1780 onwards.

  His relationship with Maria Theresa was marked by tension: Joseph was a passionate reformer, while his mother was cautious and tradition-conscious. Many of his ideas met with resistance from her, but he admired her as a strong ruler.

  Joseph II was fascinated by Frederick II of Prussia, his political opponent. Although he called him a "scoundrel," he was impressed by his military successes and administrative reforms. Joseph wanted to modernise the Habsburg army and administration in a similar way – much to his mother's displeasure.

  Joseph II implemented numerous reforms: he abolished torture, improved the status of non-Catholics (Patent of Toleration), restricted the influence of the Church and abolished serfdom for peasants. Many of his measures were ahead of their time, but were not always well received by those around him.

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  Maria Christina

  (*1742, +1798)

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  Maria Christina

  (*1742, +1798)

  Daughter of Maria Theresa

  Maria Christina was the fifth of sixteen children. Unlike her siblings, she was allowed to choose her own husband: in 1766, she married Duke Albert of Saxony-Teschen, a distant relative. This love match was an exception, as marriages in ruling families, including that of Maria Theresa, were usually arranged for political reasons.

  Although Maria Christina was considered her mother's favourite child, she was not very popular with her siblings – presumably because of the special role she played. She was considered particularly educated and interested in art. Together with her husband, she was governor of the Austrian Netherlands (now Belgium). There she called herself Marie Christine. Later, the couple lived in Vienna, where they founded the Albertina, today's world-famous art collection.

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  Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff

  (*1708, +1758)

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  Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff

  (*1708, +1758)

  Confidant of Frederick II

  Michael Gabriel Fredersdorff was not a nobleman, but the son of a simple musician, and became a soldier in the Prussian army. There he met the young Crown Prince Frederick, who later became King Frederick II. The two were united by their love of music – they secretly played the flute together and became close friends. When Frederick became king, he made Fredersdorff his valet and later one of his most important confidants; he even lived right next to the king in Sanssouci Palace.

  The relationship between the two was very close, perhaps even more than just friendly – this remains unclear to this day. Fredersdorff wanted to marry, which Frederick initially refused, but later allowed. In 1757, Fredersdorff lost his position due to alleged mistakes. He died a year later, disappointed at the loss of his honour.

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