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Maria Theresa's Life
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Maria Theresa is born.
Charles VI and Elizabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel welcomed their first child, Maria Theresa, into the world. She was born in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria. (biography.com) -
Marries Francis I
On this date, after 13 days of engagement, Maria marries her beloved Francis I. Maria had married for love and not to seize power of another kingdom. (biography.com) -
First child born.
The first survivng child of Maria Theresa and Francis I was born. Maria Anne was the eldest of her 16 children. Of those eleven daughters and five sons, only ten survived to adulthood. (hapsburger.net) -
Maria succeeds to the Hapsburg throne.
After Charles VI death, it was time for Maria to take over. At the age of 23, she was named the Holy Roman Empress. Because of her gender, many people resisted her succesion. This would then lead to Frederick II invasion of Silesia. (biography.com) -
Francis I named co-ruler of Austrian and Bohemian lands.
After the death of Charles VI, Maria had named her husband, Francis I, co-ruler of Austrian and Bohemian lands. This would lead to him becoming the next Holy Roman Emperor. (hapsburger.net) -
Invasion of Silesia
Frederick II of Prussia, had invaded Silesia, an Austrian province. He had claimed this territory for his kingdom. Soon after, France had also invaded Hapsburg territories, causing the War of Austrian Succession. The war had ended in 1748, after Austria was forced to give Silesia to Prussia. (biography.com) -
Introduced a program of internal reforms.
Maria Theresa had introduced several reforms in 1748. She had overhauled the taxation system to require paymeant from the nobility and the clergy, established crown courts, and built up a national army. She also established public high schools and middle schools. This made the countries in the Austrian Empire had been united under Maria, the only woman ruler of the Hapsburg dynasty. (Farmer, 108) -
Johann Sebastian Bach dies.
When Bach had died, it ended the Baroque Era of music. He had been one of the most inspirational and intelligent composers of that time. Soon after his death, the approach of the Neoclassical Era had begun. (biography.com) -
Samuel Johnson publishes first English Dictionary.
The first English Dicionary, published by Samuel Johnson, was a huge part of history. This would lead to many more dictionaries being published later on. (biography.com) -
Seven Years War
Once again, Frederick II waged war on Maria Theresa. During this time, Maria Theresa tried to reclaim Silesia. But, in 1762, when Empress Elizabeth of Russia died, Russia withdrew. This was one of Austria's greatest allies. Since Austria could not win the war without its allies, in 1763 Maria and Frederick agreed to a peace treaty that Prussia could keep Silesia. (biography.com) -
Catherine the Great becomes ruler of Russia.
After the death of Empress Elizabeth of Russia, and overthrowing her husband Peter III, Catherine the Great became the new empress . She made Russia into a powerful country and she was an intelligent ruler. (biography.com) -
Maria names her son, Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor.
After the death of Francis I, Maria Theresa names her son Joseph II Holy Roman Emperor. Both of them, had different views on foreign policy and government. After Maria Theresa's death, Joseph II would take complete control of the Holy Roman Empire. (Trease, 145) -
John Cook discovers Botany Bay in Australia.
On this day, John Cook discovered an important part of Australia today. Before he had named it Botany Bay, he first named it Stingray Bay. Nevertheless, Botany Bay is very important to Australia. It is the site of Sydney's international airport. (Grun, 281) -
"The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" is published by Edward Gibbon
This book had been a part of the Enlightnment. It had described the rise of Christianity in the behavior of people rather than godly miracles. (fsmitha.com) -
Declaration of Independence Signed.
On this day, the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and signed by the members of the Second Continental Congress. This shows America's rebellion against Great Britain. This led to many revolutions after and inspired freedom across the globe. (biography.com) -
Maria Theresa dies.
On this day, Maria Theresa's life comes to an end. She had been diagnosed with smallpox about ten years before her death. She had died at the same place of her birth. She had ruled for four decades and left behind an exceptional legacy (biography.com).
