| Maria Theresia and The Petticoat Plot |
Maria Theresia, 1717-1780, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of
Hungary and Bohemia, and "Roman Empress" from 1745, was the
mother of sixteen children, eleven girls, including the unfortunate
Marie Antoinette, and five boys, with two of her sons, Joseph II
and Leopold II, becoming regents. Her youngest son remained
unmarried and five of her children did not survive until adulthood.
It was said that childbirth came easily to her and on one occasion
she actually gave birth in the palace hallway, standing up.
Hungary and Bohemia, and "Roman Empress" from 1745, was the
mother of sixteen children, eleven girls, including the unfortunate
Marie Antoinette, and five boys, with two of her sons, Joseph II
and Leopold II, becoming regents. Her youngest son remained
unmarried and five of her children did not survive until adulthood.
It was said that childbirth came easily to her and on one occasion
she actually gave birth in the palace hallway, standing up.
She was the eldest daughter of the Emperor Karl VI and his wife Elizabeth of Brunswick-
Wolfenbüttel, and she was wife to the Holy Roman emperor Franz I of Lorraine, then grand duke of
Tuscany, to whom she was always deeply attached. Maria Theresa's father formulated the decree in
1713 known as the Pragmatic Sanction which permitted female accession to the throne and
guaranteed that the Habsburg lands would not be divided if there was no male heir. When heir
Leopold Johann died as an infant in 1716, the Emperor's oldest daughter Maria Theresia became the
rightful heir to the throne. But upon the Emperor's death in 1740, several nations refused to honor
their earlier pledge to adhere to the decree, leading to the War of Austrian Succession, as numerous
European nations battled for control of parts of the Austrian Empire. At issue was which female
Habsburg had the right to succeed. Meanwhile, Maria Theresia took control at a time when Austria
had a weak army and a depleted treasury because of two wars near the end of her father's reign.
Wolfenbüttel, and she was wife to the Holy Roman emperor Franz I of Lorraine, then grand duke of
Tuscany, to whom she was always deeply attached. Maria Theresa's father formulated the decree in
1713 known as the Pragmatic Sanction which permitted female accession to the throne and
guaranteed that the Habsburg lands would not be divided if there was no male heir. When heir
Leopold Johann died as an infant in 1716, the Emperor's oldest daughter Maria Theresia became the
rightful heir to the throne. But upon the Emperor's death in 1740, several nations refused to honor
their earlier pledge to adhere to the decree, leading to the War of Austrian Succession, as numerous
European nations battled for control of parts of the Austrian Empire. At issue was which female
Habsburg had the right to succeed. Meanwhile, Maria Theresia took control at a time when Austria
had a weak army and a depleted treasury because of two wars near the end of her father's reign.
She centralized the government by combining the
Austrian and Bohemian chancelleries into one
administrative office, and she increased the size of
the army by 200% and increased taxes to benefit
the government, in particular the military. During
her reign, Austria lost several battles to Prussia and
was forced to make some territorial concessions. In
later years of her reign, she focused on reforming
laws along the lines of enlightened absolutism to
strengthen the economy of the Habsburg
territories, especially after the loss of Silesia.
Austrian and Bohemian chancelleries into one
administrative office, and she increased the size of
the army by 200% and increased taxes to benefit
the government, in particular the military. During
her reign, Austria lost several battles to Prussia and
was forced to make some territorial concessions. In
later years of her reign, she focused on reforming
laws along the lines of enlightened absolutism to
strengthen the economy of the Habsburg
territories, especially after the loss of Silesia.
She enjoyed a good education and spoke German with a Viennese
accent, as well as Latin, Spanish, French and Italian, and she loved
music...all of her children learned to play musical instruments. She
also enjoyed gambling.
accent, as well as Latin, Spanish, French and Italian, and she loved
music...all of her children learned to play musical instruments. She
also enjoyed gambling.
Maria Theresa became a strong supporter of inoculation after she contracted smallpox and even
received last rites before recovering. It had claimed several victims in the royal family in the 1760s,
and so she required all of her children to be inoculated to set a strong example. In 1771, with Joseph
II, she issued the Robot Patent, a reform regulating a serf's wages. Witch-burning and torture were
abolished and capital punishment was taken from the penal code and replaced with forced labor.
She founded the Imperial and Royal Academy of Science and Literature in Brussels in 1772 and
introduced mandatory education in 1774; She also formed a unit of decency police who patrolled
Vienna and apprehend anyone suspected of doing something indecent, for example prostitution.
The 'women of the night' were sent into villages in the eastern parts of the realm, leading some
contemporary writers to note that these villages suddenly contained 'exceptionally beautiful women'.
received last rites before recovering. It had claimed several victims in the royal family in the 1760s,
and so she required all of her children to be inoculated to set a strong example. In 1771, with Joseph
II, she issued the Robot Patent, a reform regulating a serf's wages. Witch-burning and torture were
abolished and capital punishment was taken from the penal code and replaced with forced labor.
She founded the Imperial and Royal Academy of Science and Literature in Brussels in 1772 and
introduced mandatory education in 1774; She also formed a unit of decency police who patrolled
Vienna and apprehend anyone suspected of doing something indecent, for example prostitution.
The 'women of the night' were sent into villages in the eastern parts of the realm, leading some
contemporary writers to note that these villages suddenly contained 'exceptionally beautiful women'.
Maria Theresa developed a fatal illness and died on the 28th of November, 1780 in Vienna. She was
the only female to rule during the 650-year-long Habsburg dynasty. When she lay painfully on her
deathbed, her son Joseph said to her, "You are not at ease", and her last words were her reply,
"I am sufficiently at my ease to die." She is buried in tomb number 56 in the Imperial Crypt in
Vienna. Joseph II ruled jointly with Maria Theresa until she died at the age of 63. Her son succeeded
her. Haydn composed symphony no. 48 in C major with her in mind.
the only female to rule during the 650-year-long Habsburg dynasty. When she lay painfully on her
deathbed, her son Joseph said to her, "You are not at ease", and her last words were her reply,
"I am sufficiently at my ease to die." She is buried in tomb number 56 in the Imperial Crypt in
Vienna. Joseph II ruled jointly with Maria Theresa until she died at the age of 63. Her son succeeded
her. Haydn composed symphony no. 48 in C major with her in mind.
Maria Theresa's court was known for its wonderful music. Even small town peasants could come to
her court if they were talented enough musicians, Haydn and Gluck being examples. She loved Italian
composers the most. Mozart and his sister performed in her court while they were young, but once
Mozart grew up, she was not fond of him, and when her son Archduke Ferdinand discussed being a
patron of Mozart, Maria Theresa was against it, feeling that he might be a financial burden. It is
thought that Mozart's life would have been more pleasant with her support. The Magic Flute may
have been about certain court members, including Maria Theresa. Although Haydn was first
discovered by her court, she did not support him further once he lost his voice at age seventeen,
in fact he was forced out penniless. She loved his brother Michael, however, and he became the
Kapellmeister to the Bishop of Grosswardein in Hungary at age twenty. Maria Theresa's love for
music resulted in the inclusion of music in everyAustrian school curriculum.
her court if they were talented enough musicians, Haydn and Gluck being examples. She loved Italian
composers the most. Mozart and his sister performed in her court while they were young, but once
Mozart grew up, she was not fond of him, and when her son Archduke Ferdinand discussed being a
patron of Mozart, Maria Theresa was against it, feeling that he might be a financial burden. It is
thought that Mozart's life would have been more pleasant with her support. The Magic Flute may
have been about certain court members, including Maria Theresa. Although Haydn was first
discovered by her court, she did not support him further once he lost his voice at age seventeen,
in fact he was forced out penniless. She loved his brother Michael, however, and he became the
Kapellmeister to the Bishop of Grosswardein in Hungary at age twenty. Maria Theresa's love for
music resulted in the inclusion of music in everyAustrian school curriculum.
| A Description of the Empress Maria Theresa, by Luise Gottsched; 1749 From: Hermann Schoenfeld, Women of the Teutonic Nations, 1908 |
Her husband, the Emperor Franz I, joined our group and chatted with us most affably. Some of the younger children were
called in and properly reverenced. Then the Empress asked if we would like to see her remaining babies, upstairs. Of
course, we were enchanted at the thought. Following the Mistress of Ceremonies, we went upstairs to the three little
angels there, whom we found eating their breakfast under the care of the Countess Sarrau. After kissing the little, highborn
hands, we were conducted through the private rooms of the palace, an honor not vouchsafed to one stranger out of a
thousand. Finally we returned to the waiting room, where all congratulated us upon the unusual honor shown.
called in and properly reverenced. Then the Empress asked if we would like to see her remaining babies, upstairs. Of
course, we were enchanted at the thought. Following the Mistress of Ceremonies, we went upstairs to the three little
angels there, whom we found eating their breakfast under the care of the Countess Sarrau. After kissing the little, highborn
hands, we were conducted through the private rooms of the palace, an honor not vouchsafed to one stranger out of a
thousand. Finally we returned to the waiting room, where all congratulated us upon the unusual honor shown.
In 1745, Maximilian III Joseph Karl, elector of Bavaria, backed Austria's claims to the throne in
exchange for the return of Bavaria, which the Austrian army had recently conquered. That made
Maria Theresia's husband, Franz I, Emperor and Maria Theresa, already Archduchess of Austria
and Queen of Bohemia and Hungary, then became Empress. He was made co-regent in 1740 and
she handled most royal duties until 1765 when he died. Maria Theresa's devotion to him was so great
that as a widow she wore mourning clothes until her own death 15 years later. During this time, her
focus changed from waging war to maintaining peace. She recognized her eldest son Joseph II as
co-regent and Emperor, albeit with only limited powers. A central figures in the wars and politics of
Europe, Maria Theresa was exceptionally loyal to the conception of duty, and she considered herself
first and foremost heiress of the rights of the house of Austria. She strove to give more unity to an
administration made up of many diverse states and races.
exchange for the return of Bavaria, which the Austrian army had recently conquered. That made
Maria Theresia's husband, Franz I, Emperor and Maria Theresa, already Archduchess of Austria
and Queen of Bohemia and Hungary, then became Empress. He was made co-regent in 1740 and
she handled most royal duties until 1765 when he died. Maria Theresa's devotion to him was so great
that as a widow she wore mourning clothes until her own death 15 years later. During this time, her
focus changed from waging war to maintaining peace. She recognized her eldest son Joseph II as
co-regent and Emperor, albeit with only limited powers. A central figures in the wars and politics of
Europe, Maria Theresa was exceptionally loyal to the conception of duty, and she considered herself
first and foremost heiress of the rights of the house of Austria. She strove to give more unity to an
administration made up of many diverse states and races.
When the Austrian Habsburg male line ended in 1740, the right of succession had already been
decreed by the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 which secured the recognition of the indivisibility of the
Habsburg lands. Maria Theresa, 1717-1780, became monarch in 1740. Maria Theresa was the only
woman ruler in 650 years of the Habsburg dynasty. Her marriage to Duke Franz of Lorraine (later
Holy Roman Emperor Franz I) in 1736 created the house of Habsburg-Lorraine.
decreed by the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 which secured the recognition of the indivisibility of the
Habsburg lands. Maria Theresa, 1717-1780, became monarch in 1740. Maria Theresa was the only
woman ruler in 650 years of the Habsburg dynasty. Her marriage to Duke Franz of Lorraine (later
Holy Roman Emperor Franz I) in 1736 created the house of Habsburg-Lorraine.
To Fräulein Thomasius, of Troschenreuth and Widersberg, at Nürnberg. Vienna, 28 September, 1749.
MY ANGEL: I believe all good things should be shared with one's friends. Hence must I tell you that never, in all my life,
have I had such cause to be joyfully proud as on this day. You will guess at once, I know, that I have seen the Empress.
Yes, I have seen her, the greatest among women. She who, in herself, is higher than her throne. I have not only seen her,
but I have spoken with her. Not merely seen her, but talked with her three-quarters of an hour in her family circle. Forgive
me if this letter is chaotic and my handwriting uneven. Both faults spring from the overwhelming joy I feel in the two
delights of this day---the privilege of meeting the Empress and the pleasure of telling your Highness of the honor.
MY ANGEL: I believe all good things should be shared with one's friends. Hence must I tell you that never, in all my life,
have I had such cause to be joyfully proud as on this day. You will guess at once, I know, that I have seen the Empress.
Yes, I have seen her, the greatest among women. She who, in herself, is higher than her throne. I have not only seen her,
but I have spoken with her. Not merely seen her, but talked with her three-quarters of an hour in her family circle. Forgive
me if this letter is chaotic and my handwriting uneven. Both faults spring from the overwhelming joy I feel in the two
delights of this day---the privilege of meeting the Empress and the pleasure of telling your Highness of the honor.
This morning we went at ten to the palace. We took our places where Baron Esterhazy, who procured us admission, told
us to stand. He supposed, as we did, that we, with the hundreds of others who were waiting, might be permitted to see
her Majesty as she passed through the apartment on her way to the Royal Chapel. After half an hour we had the
happiness of seeing the three Princesses go by. They asked the Court-mistress who we were. Then, on being told our
names, they turned and extended their hands for us to kiss. The eldest Princess is about ten years old. As I kissed her
hand, she paid me a compliment. She said she had often heard me highly spoken of. I was pleased, of course, and very
grateful for her remarkable condescension. Forgive me if this sounds proud. Worse is to follow. I cannot tell of the
incredible favor of these exalted personages without seeming to be vain. But you well know that I am not vain.
us to stand. He supposed, as we did, that we, with the hundreds of others who were waiting, might be permitted to see
her Majesty as she passed through the apartment on her way to the Royal Chapel. After half an hour we had the
happiness of seeing the three Princesses go by. They asked the Court-mistress who we were. Then, on being told our
names, they turned and extended their hands for us to kiss. The eldest Princess is about ten years old. As I kissed her
hand, she paid me a compliment. She said she had often heard me highly spoken of. I was pleased, of course, and very
grateful for her remarkable condescension. Forgive me if this sounds proud. Worse is to follow. I cannot tell of the
incredible favor of these exalted personages without seeming to be vain. But you well know that I am not vain.
About eleven o'clock, a man-servant, dressed in gorgeous livery, came and told us to follow him. He led us through a
great many frescoed corridors and splendid rooms into a small apartment which was made even smaller by a Spanish
screen placed across it. We were told to wait there. In a few moments, the Mistress of Ceremonies came. She was very
gracious to us. In a little while, her Majesty entered followed by the three princesses. My husband and myself each sank
upon the left knee and kissed the noblest, the most beautiful hand that has ever wielded a scepter. The Empress gently
bade us rise. Her face and her gracious manner banished all the timidity and embarrassment we naturally felt in the
presence of so exalted and beautiful a figure as hers. Our fear was changed to love and confidence. Her Majesty told my
husband that she was afraid to speak German before the Master of that language. "Our Austrian dialect is very bad, they
say," she added. To which my man answered that, fourteen years before, when he listened to her address at the opening
of the Landtag, he had been struck by the beauty and purity of her German. She spoke, on that occasion, he said, like a
goddess. Then the Empress laughed merrily, saying "Tis lucky I was not aware of your presence or I should have been so
frightened that I should have stopped short in my speech."
great many frescoed corridors and splendid rooms into a small apartment which was made even smaller by a Spanish
screen placed across it. We were told to wait there. In a few moments, the Mistress of Ceremonies came. She was very
gracious to us. In a little while, her Majesty entered followed by the three princesses. My husband and myself each sank
upon the left knee and kissed the noblest, the most beautiful hand that has ever wielded a scepter. The Empress gently
bade us rise. Her face and her gracious manner banished all the timidity and embarrassment we naturally felt in the
presence of so exalted and beautiful a figure as hers. Our fear was changed to love and confidence. Her Majesty told my
husband that she was afraid to speak German before the Master of that language. "Our Austrian dialect is very bad, they
say," she added. To which my man answered that, fourteen years before, when he listened to her address at the opening
of the Landtag, he had been struck by the beauty and purity of her German. She spoke, on that occasion, he said, like a
goddess. Then the Empress laughed merrily, saying "Tis lucky I was not aware of your presence or I should have been so
frightened that I should have stopped short in my speech."
She asked me how it happened that became so learned a woman. I replied, "I wished to become worthy of the honor that
has this day befallen me in meeting your Majesty. This will forever be a red-letter day in my life." Her Majesty said, "You
are too modest. I well know that the most learned woman in Germany stands before me." My answer to that was
"According to my opinion, the most learned woman, not of Germany only, but of all Europe, stands before me as
Empress." Her Majesty shook her head. "Ah, no," she said, "my familiar acquaintance with that woman forces me to say
you are mistaken."
has this day befallen me in meeting your Majesty. This will forever be a red-letter day in my life." Her Majesty said, "You
are too modest. I well know that the most learned woman in Germany stands before me." My answer to that was
"According to my opinion, the most learned woman, not of Germany only, but of all Europe, stands before me as
Empress." Her Majesty shook her head. "Ah, no," she said, "my familiar acquaintance with that woman forces me to say
you are mistaken."
| The Petticoat Plot |
In May 1756, Maria Theresa engineered a solution to reclaim Silesia by
convincing France (via the politically influential mistress King Louis XV,
Madame de Pompadour) and Empress Elizabeth of Russia to join
forces with Austria and side against Prussia. Friedrich derisively referred
to their scheming alliance as the "petticoat plot".
convincing France (via the politically influential mistress King Louis XV,
Madame de Pompadour) and Empress Elizabeth of Russia to join
forces with Austria and side against Prussia. Friedrich derisively referred
to their scheming alliance as the "petticoat plot".
Elizabeth Petrovna, known as Czarina Elizabeth I, was born in 1709,
the illegitimate daughter of Peter the Great and Martha Skaronska,
a peasant to whom he was wed after Elizabeth was born. Cultured,
fashionable and a tad promiscuous, when she took the throne and
began her nearly twenty-year reign, she proved to be politically and
militarily beneficial to Russia. She shed Russia of its German
influences, founded universities and supported the arts. On December
25, 1761, Elizabeth died childless in 1792 and left the throne to her
nephew, Peter III, an unpopular admirer of Friedrich of Prussia.
Hostilities with Prussia were immediately ceased and territories that
Russian had captured were returned. Peter was murdered shortly
thereafter, having only ruled for six months. His German wife, Sophia
of Zerbst, later known as Catherine the Great, succeeded him in 1762,
becoming one of Russia's greatest csarinas
the illegitimate daughter of Peter the Great and Martha Skaronska,
a peasant to whom he was wed after Elizabeth was born. Cultured,
fashionable and a tad promiscuous, when she took the throne and
began her nearly twenty-year reign, she proved to be politically and
militarily beneficial to Russia. She shed Russia of its German
influences, founded universities and supported the arts. On December
25, 1761, Elizabeth died childless in 1792 and left the throne to her
nephew, Peter III, an unpopular admirer of Friedrich of Prussia.
Hostilities with Prussia were immediately ceased and territories that
Russian had captured were returned. Peter was murdered shortly
thereafter, having only ruled for six months. His German wife, Sophia
of Zerbst, later known as Catherine the Great, succeeded him in 1762,
becoming one of Russia's greatest csarinas
Catherine, who was staunchly opposed to Prussia, nonetheless signed
a defensive alliance with Prussia April 11, 1764 which guaranteed
Prussian control of Silesia in return for Prussian support for Russia
against Austria or the Ottoman Empire. During her reign, Catherine
expanded Russia's borders to the Black Sea and into central Europe.
She promoted modernization, enlightenment and education. Catherine
the Great died in 1796.
a defensive alliance with Prussia April 11, 1764 which guaranteed
Prussian control of Silesia in return for Prussian support for Russia
against Austria or the Ottoman Empire. During her reign, Catherine
expanded Russia's borders to the Black Sea and into central Europe.
She promoted modernization, enlightenment and education. Catherine
the Great died in 1796.
By 1741 all of Europe west of Russia was at war with someone.
Although alliances shifted, in the War of the Austrian Succession,
Prussia held onto Silesia. By the Treaty of Dresden (1745) Prussia
retained Silesia, and all other conquests were rescinded in the Treaty
of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748). Prussia substantially gained from eight years
of war while all the other participants substantailly suffered destruction.
Although alliances shifted, in the War of the Austrian Succession,
Prussia held onto Silesia. By the Treaty of Dresden (1745) Prussia
retained Silesia, and all other conquests were rescinded in the Treaty
of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748). Prussia substantially gained from eight years
of war while all the other participants substantailly suffered destruction.
In a letter to his mother Maria Theresa, the Austrian co-ruler Emperor
Joseph II wrote, "When the King of Prussia speaks on problems
connected with the art of war, which he has studied intensively and
on which he has read every conceivable book, then everything is taut,
solid and uncommonly instructive. There are no circumlocutions, he
gives factual and historical proof of the assertions he makes, for he is
well versed in history… A genius and a man who talks admirably. But
everything he says betrays the knave."
Joseph II wrote, "When the King of Prussia speaks on problems
connected with the art of war, which he has studied intensively and
on which he has read every conceivable book, then everything is taut,
solid and uncommonly instructive. There are no circumlocutions, he
gives factual and historical proof of the assertions he makes, for he is
well versed in history… A genius and a man who talks admirably. But
everything he says betrays the knave."
Above: Czar Elizabeth, top. Madame Pompadour, middle. Catharine the Great, bottom. As seen in the painting,
it is a small Italian Greyhound with Catharine. As we will see next, she and Friedrich shared love for the same
breed of dog.
it is a small Italian Greyhound with Catharine. As we will see next, she and Friedrich shared love for the same
breed of dog.