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.

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

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