Marie Theresa (13. 5. 1717 - 29. 11. 1780) - Queen Hungarian and Czech, Austrian Archduchess. Mistress of the Austrian monarchy, which could significantly strengthen and modernize.

Maria Theresa took over the government in 1740 after the death of her father, Charles VI, because in the male line of hereditary no other candidate was available. Allow it called Pragmatic Sanction , which, however, was not to the taste of competitors seeking the Austrian throne. In the same year she became Queen of Hungary, Czech was crowned for about three years later in Prague. Monarch took a backward country without a modern army, in addition to threats issued by neighboring states.

Already in her accession to the throne attacked the Prussian King Frederick II., Who demanded the resignation of Silesia. Numerically weaker and less armed Austrian army was defeated at the Battle of Majulowic. The conflict began a period of struggles of the Austrian Succession. The following year in the country was invaded Bavaria, Saxony and French troops led by Bavarian Elector Karl Albrecht (future Roman emperor), who did not recognize the claim of Maria Theresa to the throne. Meanwhile, however, the young monarch could tilt the Hungarian nobility, who recognized the Pragmatic Sanction and committed to Austria politically and militarily supported.

There was another invasion of the Prussian army of Frederick II., Which deprived Austria of part of Silesia. Over the diplomatic support of England signed Maria Theresa with Prussia peace agreement. This would not prevent Frederick in another military campaign in 1744. And since Austria come under military pressure from the side of France, signed the following year with Prussia in Dresden Peace, who gave up claims to Silesia.

In 1745, after the death of Karl Albrecht, the husband of Maria Theresa Francis Stephen of Lorraine ��mskon�meck�m became emperor. International respect of Austria also strengthened alliance with Russia, whose mistress Empress Elizabeth I in 1746 pledged to attack Prussia, Frederick again when attacking Austria. Later, the Austrian empress has managed to negotiate a treaty of alliance with France and in coalition with Russia then pushed Frederick the defensive. However, a power struggle continued until 1763 and did not produce any significant profit or one of the opposing parties.

Maria Theresa was aware of the backwardness of the monarchy, and use of bold reform changes it into a modern state. Lack of precious metals for minting coins solved copper pennies a farthing, and continued minting gold ducats. During her reign, it also created the first paper money.

After the death of Francis of Lorraine was Roman Emperor became the queen's son Joseph II., One of seven of her offspring, who sat on one of the thrones of Europe.

Maria Theresa died November 29, 1780 on the consequences of exposure to cold in the hunt. The queen's body was placed in the family Capuchin crypt, where he rested the remains of her husband and beloved governess Charlotte Fuchs.