Maria Theresa: Survival, Reform, and Legacy (SEHI0003)

What challenges did Maria Theresa face upon her accession to the throne in 1740?

She faced accession challenges due to being largely unprepared, a dire financial state with significant debt, geopolitical vulnerability with a scattered army, and doubts about her legitimacy.

What was the financial state of the monarchy when Maria Theresa ascended the throne?

The monarchy was effectively bankrupt, with 87,000 florins in cash compared to a debt of 103 million florins.

What were the geopolitical vulnerabilities of Maria Theresa's reign in 1740?

The army was scattered across various regions, leaving core territories like Silesia exposed, and traditional alliances were unreliable.

What doubts existed regarding Maria Theresa's legitimacy as ruler?

Doubts persisted about the Pragmatic Sanction, especially in Bohemia, and her husband, Francis Stephen, was initially unpopular.

What event marked the beginning of the War of the Austrian Succession?

Frederick II of Prussia invaded Lower Silesia in December 1740.

What was the purpose of the Treaty of Nymphenburg?

It formed a coalition against Austria, involving France, Spain, Bavaria, Saxony, and Prussia, aiming to partition Habsburg lands.

How did Maria Theresa respond to the challenges during the War of the Austrian Succession?

She showed pragmatism, empathy, and skill in problem-solving, effectively utilized her femininity, and garnered Hungarian support.

What significant support did Maria Theresa receive from Hungary in 1741?

The Hungarian Diet pledged a large army after negotiations, reaffirming tax exemptions and promising Military Border reintegration.

How did the birth of Joseph in March 1741 impact Maria Theresa's rule?

It strengthened popular support for the Habsburg-Lorraine succession.

What role did British financial aid play in the War of the Austrian Succession?

British financial aid, including a £5 million subsidy, was vital for Maria Theresa's military efforts from 1743.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748?

The treaty ended the war, confirmed Prussian control of Silesia, and preserved the Habsburg Monarchy intact otherwise.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Dresden in 1745?

It restored peace in Germany after Frederick II was repelled from Bohemia.

What were the consequences of the War of the Austrian Succession for Maria Theresa?

The monarchy faced reduced territory and revenue, with the loss of Silesia being particularly significant.

What personal qualities did Maria Theresa exhibit during her reign?

She demonstrated pragmatism, justice, empathy, and skill in identifying problems and solutions.

Who was elected Holy Roman Emperor during the War of the Austrian Succession?

Charles Albert of Bavaria was elected Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII in 1742.

What military successes did Maria Theresa achieve during the war?

Hungarian, Grenzer, and Italian troops reconquered Bohemia and Lower Austria, leading to her coronation as Queen of Bohemia in 1743.

What was the impact of Frederick II's re-invasion of Bohemia?

He was repelled, demonstrating Maria Theresa's military recovery efforts.

What was the state of traditional alliances during Maria Theresa's reign?

Traditional alliances were found to be unreliable, contributing to the challenges faced by the monarchy.

What was the significance of Maria Theresa's use of her femininity in her political strategy?

She strategically manipulated powerful men to gain support and navigate her challenges.

What was the overall outcome of Maria Theresa's efforts during her reign?

She preserved the Habsburg Monarchy despite losing Silesia and demonstrated determination and skill.

How did Maria Theresa's early life influence her reign?

Being excluded from public life by her father left her an obscure figure, impacting her initial legitimacy.

What was the reaction of the Hungarian Diet to Maria Theresa's leadership?

They pledged a large army in support, crucial for her military capacity and morale.

What demographic shift impacted the reliability of traditional alliances during the Theresian Reforms?

German speakers became less than 1/3 of the population.

What was a key necessity for survival according to the Theresian Reforms?

A more assertive, efficient central government capable of funding and defending itself without relying on voluntary support.

Who was the key figure behind the reform plan during the Theresian Reforms?

Count Friedrich Wilhelm von Haugwitz.

What was the aim of the administrative restructuring during the Theresian Reforms?

To rationalize administration and increase central control.

What significant change did the State Chancery undergo in 1742?

It took over foreign policy.

What was the purpose of the Directorium in publicis et cameralibus established in 1749?

To combine political-administrative and financial powers, inspired by the Prussian model.

What was the Decennial Recess in relation to taxation?

Estates in Bohemia and Austria agreed to double their contribution and commit for 10 years.

How did the Theresian Reforms impact military funding?

Tax revenue was dedicated to funding a standing army of 108,000, which later grew larger.

What was the Hungarian Exemption in the context of the Theresian Reforms?

Hungary remained largely exempt from increased taxation, creating a disparity between Erblande and Hungary.

What military reforms were influenced by the Prussian model?

Recruitment and officer promotion, along with the integration of Military Border units.

What was the impact of bureaucratic growth during the Theresian Reforms?

There was a dramatic increase in civil officials and efforts to improve competence and secular outlook.

What educational institutions were established during the Theresian Reforms?

Theresianum (1746), Military Academy (1751), and Oriental Academy (1754).

What motivated the secularization and cultural shift during the Theresian Reforms?

The desire for state autonomy from the Papacy/Church and practical necessity.

What change occurred regarding censorship during the Theresian Reforms?

The Jesuit monopoly on censorship ended, and responsibility shifted to civil officials and the Censorship Commission in 1751.

How did the Theresian Reforms approach education?

They began to wrest control from religious orders and established new secular faculties at the University of Vienna.

What was the economic policy focus during the Theresian Reforms?

State-centered strength through productivity, resource management, high living standards, and a positive trade balance.

What was a goal of the cameralism/mercantilism economic policy?

To achieve self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

How did the Theresian Reforms promote industry?

By providing subsidies, reducing guild restrictions, and penalizing outdated technology.

What was the role of Hungary in the economic policy during the Theresian Reforms?

Hungary was valued mainly as an agricultural producer and captive market.

What were some limits and critiques of the Theresian Reforms?

Reforms were often reactive, relied on elite cooperation, and Maria Theresa's personal limitations affected their implementation.

How did Maria Theresa's personal beliefs influence the Theresian Reforms?

Her fervent Catholicism and anti-Protestant/anti-Semitic prejudices reduced patronage of Jewish financiers and influenced policies against Protestants.

What was the effect of the Theresian Reforms on the aristocracy?

Aristocratic power increased in some areas, particularly in Bohemian land control, widening the gap between nobility and others.

What measures were taken to protect peasant landholdings in Erblande?

Measures included distinguishing between Rustical and Dominical landholdings and establishing minimum living standards via tax assessments.

What remained despite measures to protect peasant landholdings?

The Robot system remained in place.

What was the primary motivation for Austria during the Diplomatic Revolution and Seven Years' War?

Recovering Silesia was the primary goal.

What significant alliance shift occurred during the Diplomatic Revolution?

Austria shifted its alliance from Britain to France to counter Prussia, with Russia joining the anti-Prussian coalition.

What was the size of the Austrian army by 1760 during the Seven Years' War?

Approximately 250,000 troops.

What financial strain did Austria experience during the war?

The heavy financial strain led to the first issue of paper money in 1762.

What event in 1762 affected Russia's position in the war?

The death of Tsarina Elizabeth and the succession of pro-Prussian Peter III, followed by Catherine the Great's neutrality.

What was the outcome of the Peace of Hubertusburg in 1763?

The peace treaty confirmed Prussian control of Silesia, which was permanently lost to Austria.

Who was the key figure in the Second Reform Period of Enlightened Absolutism?

Wenzel Anton von Kaunitz, who served as de facto prime minister.

What was Kaunitz's approach to socio-economic development?

He advocated for broader socio-economic development over narrow fiscalism, influenced by Western Enlightenment.

What administrative reforms were influenced by Kaunitz between 1760-61?

Reforms included decentralizing the overloaded Directorium and creating autonomous ministries and a Council of State (Staatsrat) for policy formulation.

How did Joseph II's governing philosophy differ from that of his predecessors?

Joseph II favored a centralized model and was influenced by Enlightenment ideas, pushing for more radical reforms.

What shift in governing philosophy occurred during the Second Reform Period?

There was a shift from elitism to populism, recognizing that state strength depended on the productivity and well-being of all subjects.

What was the impact of Enlightenment ideas during this period?

There was a growing emphasis on reason, secularism, and utility, with Western ideas entering through diplomats and cultural exchange.

What was Josephinism?

Josephinism involved state control over the Church, influenced by Reform Catholicism and Jansenism, sometimes clashing with secular Enlightenment reformers.

What were the Robot Patents and their purpose?

The Robot Patents limited peasant labor obligations to an average of 2-3 days per week, motivated by humanitarian concerns and the desire for increased peasant productivity.

What was the response to the Bohemian famine of 1770-72?

The famine highlighted landlord exploitation and led to measures allowing peasant contracts and state intervention.

What was the Raab System introduced in 1775?

The Raab System involved the commutation of Robot to cash payments, promoting free labor for greater efficiency and taxable wealth.

What limitations did the regime face regarding the Robot system?

The regime was unwilling to abolish the Robot entirely without compensating landlords.

What was the focus of social discipline and welfare during this period?

There was an emphasis on population growth through marriage incentives and discouraging infanticide, balancing social control and emancipation.

What event catalyzed public education reform in the late 18th century?

The dissolution of the Jesuit Order in 1773 created a teacher shortage and spurred action due to reports of popular ignorance.

What were the main goals of public education reform post-1773?

To reconstitute popular culture on a literate basis, reinforce Catholic orthodoxy, increase social responsibility, work ethic, and vocational skills.

What was the three-tiered school system established by Felbiger's General School Ordinances?

The system included compulsory elementary Trivialschule, vocational/academic Hauptschule, and university-prep Gymnasium.

What impact did Felbiger's reforms have on education by 1780?

Over 500 new schools were established, educating around 200,000 pupils, surpassing the Prussian model.

What resistance did public education reform face?

Peasants resented the loss of child labor, and clergy feared the undermining of faith.

What limited religious toleration was introduced during this period?

Limited rights were granted to Protestants, especially in economically key areas, while Jews remained heavily restricted.

What legal reforms were attempted during this period?

A commission started in 1766, abolishing torture in 1776, but full legal code reform was delayed.

What was the focus of military conscription introduced during this time?

It focused on 'destitute' individuals, with 60% of the army being conscripted or furloughed subjects by 1781.

What was the opportunistic foreign policy of Joseph II and Kaunitz?

They aimed for territorial gains while avoiding major wars.

What was the outcome of the Partition of Poland in 1772 for Austria?

Austria gained Galicia but participated reluctantly under pressure from Frederick II and Catherine II.

What were the implications of the Bavarian Succession Crisis (1777-79)?

Austria's attempt to annex Bavaria was thwarted by Prussia, leading to increased diplomatic isolation.

How was Maria Theresa's image constructed as the 'Mother of Her People'?

Her image was cultivated through maternal care, accessibility, piety, and virtue, reinforced by monuments and literature.

What was the reality behind Maria Theresa's accessibility to her subjects?

She restricted court access and relied on bureaucratic procedures, discouraging direct petitions from commoners.

What role did visual representation play in Maria Theresa's legacy?

Widely circulated portraits and engravings fostered loyalty among her subjects.

What was the mixed reaction to Maria Theresa's legacy after her death?

Initially mixed, she was later admired by reformers and reinvented in the 19th century as an anti-aristocratic 'citizen queen'.

What were some of Maria Theresa's significant contributions to the monarchy?

She preserved the monarchy through crises and initiated fundamental reforms in administration, fiscal policy, military, education, and agriculture.

What contradictory elements characterized Maria Theresa's legacy?

She was seen as reformist yet conservative, pious yet pragmatic, and 'enlightened' yet intolerant in some areas.

What groundwork did Maria Theresa lay for her son Joseph II?

She laid the groundwork for Joseph II's more radical reforms.