Definitions!
1. Absolute Monarchy- A monarchy that is not limited or restrained by laws or a constitution.
2. Divine Right- The doctrine that kings derive the right to rule directly from God and are not accountable to their subjects.
2. Divine Right- The doctrine that kings derive the right to rule directly from God and are not accountable to their subjects.
Maria Theresa reflects the concept of "absolute monarchy" and "divine right" because after King Charles VI died, she took the throne. She made sure Duke Francis Stephan, was crowned emperor. Also to defended her right at the throne she imposed heavy taxes and levies to pay for an army. The conflicts between Austria and Persia led to the Seven Years War! Maria Theresa was concidered one of its most capable rulers, because she brought unity.
Biography of Maria Theresa
Maria Theresa was born on May 13, 1717 in Vienna, Austria. She married Duke Francis Stephen of Lorraine, of France. Maria Theresa's parents were Charles VI of the Holy Roman Empire and Elizabeth of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. In 1713, Charles VI passed the Pragmatic Sanction. When King Charles VI died in November of 1740, she took the Hapsburg throne. Without the Pragmatic Sanction, she would've never been able to rule the throne. However, Charles VI wanted a son to rule. Maria Theresa came into the throne with no experience and no training. Hence, she was the first woman to ever take the throne. Charles VI wanted his daughter to marry someone for power. He made an exception and let her marry whoever she wanted for love. She was Roman Catholic. She had 16 kids, but one daughter, Marie Antoinette, rose to power. She later became the Queen of France and married Louis XVI. The Hapsburgs were a league of Catholics that ruled Spain and Austria. Her first real war ended badly. She lost land and Frederick II became stronger. It was called the War of the Austrian Succesion. During the Seven Years' War Maria Theresa lost one of her biggest allies, Russia. It would've been impossible for her to win, so Frederick II and Maria Theresa signed a treaty for Prussia to keep Silesia, a city in Austria. The Treaty of Hubertusberg ended the war and finally resulted in peace. In 1765, her husband died. Her eldest son, Joseph II, became emperor. They both clashed in their beliefs on November 29, 1780.