| Maria Theresia and The Petticoat Plot |
Maria Theresia,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. She enjoyed a good education and spoke German with a Viennese accent, as well as
Latin, Spanish, French and Italian, and she loved music...she and all of her children played musical
instruments. She also enjoyed gambling.
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 enjoyed a good education and spoke German with a Viennese accent, as well as
Latin, Spanish, French and Italian, and she loved music...she and all of her children played musical
instruments. She also enjoyed gambling.
She was the eldest daughter of the Emperor Karl VI and Elizabeth of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel
and wife to Holy Roman emperor Franz I of Lorraine, then grand duke of Tuscany, to whom she
was always deeply attached. When her brother and heir to the throne died as an infant in 1716, as
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
allowing this, leading to the War of Austrian Succession, and 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.
and wife to Holy Roman emperor Franz I of Lorraine, then grand duke of Tuscany, to whom she
was always deeply attached. When her brother and heir to the throne died as an infant in 1716, as
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
allowing this, leading to the War of Austrian Succession, and 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.
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.
Maria Theresa became a strong supporter of inoculation after she contracted smallpox (even
receiving 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'.
receiving 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 the Imperial Crypt in Vienna. Joseph II ruled
jointly with Maria Theresa until she died at the age of 63 and he succeeded her.
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 the Imperial Crypt in Vienna. Joseph II ruled
jointly with Maria Theresa until she died at the age of 63 and he 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 of this policy. She loved Italian composers the
most. Mozart and his sister performed in her court while they were young, but she was not fond of
Mozart when he grew up 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 youthful voice at age seventeen and he was
forced out penniless. She loved his brother Michael, however, who at age twenty became the
Kapellmeister to the Bishop of Grosswardein in Hungary. Maria Theresa's love for music resulted in
the inclusion of music in every Austrian school curriculum.
for its wonderful music. Even small town peasants could come to her court if they were talented
enough musicians, Haydn and Gluck being examples of this policy. She loved Italian composers the
most. Mozart and his sister performed in her court while they were young, but she was not fond of
Mozart when he grew up 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 youthful voice at age seventeen and he was
forced out penniless. She loved his brother Michael, however, who at age twenty became the
Kapellmeister to the Bishop of Grosswardein in Hungary. Maria Theresa's love for music resulted in
the inclusion of music in every Austrian 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.
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.
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 the Emperor and Maria Theresa, already Archduchess of Austria
and Queen of Bohemia and Hungary, the 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 figure 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 a large
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 the Emperor and Maria Theresa, already Archduchess of Austria
and Queen of Bohemia and Hungary, the 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 figure 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 a large
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
| 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 suffered substantial 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 suffered substantial destruction.
In a letter to his mother, 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."
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."
Left: 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.
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.
