-Maria Theresa Walburga Amalia Christina was the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions and the last of the House of Habsburg

 

-She modernized her dominions and saved them from dissolution.

 

-Even though there was never an official reigning Holy Roman Empress, Maria Theresa basically held the position, even if she didn’t hold the title.

 

-Maria Theresa was an intense and hands on queen. She was brave and determined, sticking herself right in the middle of the War of Succession. Desperate to keep support from Hungary, she even taught herself how to horseback ride so she could participate in the complicated Hungarian coronation ceremony.

 

-She ruled during the most difficult time of Austrian history.

 

-She was only 18 when she married, and only 23 when she ascended to the Austrian throne.

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-Marian Theresa produced 17 children, Including the future queen of France, Marie Antoinette.

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-Her family line, the Habsburgs, ruled for around 650 years.

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-Maria was attending council meetings by the time she was fourteen.

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-When she died, the House of Habsburg was changed into the House of Habsburg-Lorraine.