Maria Theresa | Eminent Women

Maria Theresa was a key figure in the power politics of 18th-century Europe.

Maria Theresa

A ruler with an engaging personality, she was one of the most capable rulers of her time who strengthened and unified the Austrian monarchy in the 18th century. She was the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions and the last of the House of Habsburg. She was the sovereign of Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Bohemia, Mantua, Milan, Lodomeria and Galicia, the Austrian Netherlands and Parma.

By marriage, she was Duchess of Lorraine, Grand Duchess of Tuscany and Holy Roman Empress.

During her reign Maria Theresa introduced and promoted financial and educational reforms, promoted commerce and the development of agriculture, and reorganized Austria's ramshackle military, all of which strengthened Austria's international standing.

In 1736 she married Francis Stephen of Lorraine and the couple eventually had 16 children, including Joseph II and Leopold II, (two future emperors) and Marie Antoinette, later queen of France.

Maria Theresa was listed among the eminent women in the records of the St. George Temple. To learn more about the painting by Michael Bedard in this video please click here.