Vienna: Maria Theresia

      Today I got to learn about Maria Theresa, an influential figure who reigned over Austria in the 18th century. During her reign, several successful changes and reforms were implemented. Over 8 years, Maria successfully defended her right to the throne during the war of Austrian succession. She reorganized and modernized the army, promoted education, not limited to compulsory primary school for boys and girls. Maria Theresa has 16 children, including the infamous Marie Antoinette. Notably, her legacy includes modernizing the Habsburg monarchy. She was an effective ruler whose reforms created a better Austria and laid the groundwork for future prosperity. 

    Maria Theresa's contributions to Austin during her room were very important historically and culturally. To note, she transformed the Habsburg empire into a more united and modern state. Her financial, administrative, and educational reforms strengthened the government and overall welfare of the people. By building up the army, she increased the country's defenses and allowed for a more stable military. Her advocacy for compulsory school increased literary levels and opportunities for Austrians. These noted changes all helped grow the Habsburg empire, ensuring its influence in future European affairs. To sum it up, her contribution to the enlightened government significantly impacted Austrian development and society. 

    I do think she has been commemorated well. Today we got to visit the palace she was associated with, the Schönbrunn Palace. This palace was the summer residence for the Habsburg rulers and is one of the most recognized palaces in Vienna. Information about Maria Theresa is included in the audio tour of the palace, showcasing some of her rooms and ideas. It was also the birthplace of many of her children. Though not solely dedicated to Maria, I think the palace tells a lot about the Habsburg legacy, which Maria Theresa is very much included in. I think by allowing guests to continue to visit the palace, Maria Theresa's sprit is kept alive and her influence is recognized. 



Comments

  1. Sam RichardsonJune 2, 2024 at 4:32 AM

    Laynee, such a great post!! I love the way you presented Maria Theresia's history in this post and your thoughts and opinions about her life. As you described in this post, Maria Theresia had a very complicated and rough start to her life. She had to fight for many years for the right to the throne because, of course, she was a woman. Up until this time there had not been a female leader and it caused such a disruption in the normal flow of life in Vienna. This is so interesting to me because Maria Theresia faced the exact struggles we, as women, face in life today. It is so crazy to me that things haven't changed all that much!

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