Maria Theresia

 

Maria Theresia was the only female ruler over the Hapsburg dominions. Her reign began with the War of Austrian Succession, and the first 7 years of her rule were spent having babies and fighting wars. That's a pretty kick butt combination in my book! She even once "asserted that, had she not been almost always pregnant, she would have gone into battle herself." What a woman! She had 16 children in 19 years (!!!) and when they were old enough, she married most of them off in order to strengthen her empire. This earned her the nickname of "the Mother in Law of Europe." She was never educated which makes all that she was able to achieve even more impressive. She is credited with rebuilding and creating the Austria- Hungary empire. She won all of the wars that she fought while she was ruler (except against Prussia) and worked to ensure that her subjects were alive and happy. She reformed the education system, making school compulsory for 6 years, and she was also very pro vaccine.

Maria Theresia's contributions changed her country for the better and she remains one of the only examples we have of a woman in power. Her education reforms increased literacy and success throughout her people. Politically, she modernized the government and its structures. Unfortunately, her example did not change the world of politics for all women in Europe. Many people during her time still did not hold her in high regard due to her gender, and she was never technically allowed to rule by herself - she had to co lead with either her husband or her son. Still, she is a wonderful example of how women leaders can be just as capable and successful as their male counterparts. Her legacy is one of reform and innovation, and shows us just how much women can do when given the opportunity.

I am SO happy to say that I think Maria Theresia has been commemorated well. The palace where she lived is an extremely popular tourist destination where people can go to learn about her (and another wonderful Austrian empress! Yay women!) and her life. She has a statue in Vienna's Museum Quarter, which receives a lot of foot traffic. Her statue is grandiose and depicts her on her throne, looking over the city that she helped start as a cultural capital. She also has a school named after her which I think is so wonderful because of all the work she did to reform education. It was something that she was passionate about, so I think it is perfect that she is commemorated in this way. Overall, she is remembered for all of the good that she did for Austria and is very well respected.