Austro-Hungarian Empire – Universal History

In 1764, due to the demands of Hungary, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was formed, ruled by the Hapsburg dynasty. In the 18th century, the Austro-Hungarian empire was made up of 14 different states, in which there was a diversity of races, languages ​​and religions, the emperor was chosen by the German princes and was a simple figurehead. In the kingdom of Maria Teresa, two transcendental events occurred, which were the seven years’ war in which the territory of Silesia was lost, and the other transcendental event was the distribution of Poland.

Austria in the 18th century

there has never been one Austrian nationality. In the territory of Austria there have always been numerous peoples of different races, languages ​​and even religions. In the 18th century, Austria was made up of the kingdoms of Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia and Slavonia; by the duchies of Burgundy, Styria, Carniola and Silesia; by the counties of Tirol and Goertz; by the Italian domains of Milan and Naples and by the Netherlands. They were, then, 5 kingdoms, 4 duchies, 2 counties, 3 domains. In total: Fourteen different states. There was no unity or patriotic sentiment among them.
The Emperor of Austria was a figurehead. His election depended on the whim and influence of the seven German electors established by the Golden Bull. His government was weak and he was barely obeyed in his mandates. Despite having the title of Emperor of Germany, he ruled from the Austrian city of Vienna, nothing more than for the brilliance of his court and the beauty of his buildings and walks.

Origin of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

Among all the aforementioned states, the kingdom of Hungary stood out, due to its Assembly or Diet, which was very jealous of its independence to solve its own problems and for its ambitions of predominance over other peoples. This kingdom, from 1764, managed to have a certain autonomy recognized. That is why the Empire was called, henceforth, the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Government of Maria Teresa

In the history of the aforementioned Empire, during the 18th century, the government of the great Empress Maria Teresa, belonging to the Hapsburg dynasty, stands out.
This sovereign was cheerful, kind and simple. Enemy of the pomp and ostentation of the Court, she lived austerely in her home, with her husband Francisco de Lorena surrounded by her 16 children. Some of them were later notable figures: Leopold, who brilliantly ruled Austria-Hungary, and Marie Antoinette, who married Louis XVI, King of France, and was guillotined.
María Teresa had a strong will, strong personality and clear intelligence. When she was not engaged in her favorite diversions (dances, theater, field games), she was engaged in the organization of the army. She sometimes wore the military uniform.
The most notable events of his reign were three:

1. The War of the Austrian Succession
2. The Seven Years War
3. The Divisions of Poland.

War of the Austrian Succession

María Teresa’s father, Emperor Carlos VI, had great difficulties leaving the crown to his daughter, because women were not allowed to exercise power. It was necessary to publish a law called Pragmatic Sanction (1713), by means of which María Teresa was declared the royal heir, because the monarch had not had male offspring. With such provision the rights of other princes who aspired to the throne were harmed.
While Carlos VI lived, some European sovereigns recognized the right of María Teresa and approved the Pragmatics; but as soon as the Emperor died, ambitions were reborn and the government of the young Queen had to face a coalition of countries that ignited the war.
The fight was long and costly. At the end of it, Maria Teresa lost some territories and, among them, the productive Silesia, seized by the Prussians.

seven years war

This war was caused by the rivalry between Austria and Prussia. Both disputed their sovereignty over the Silesia region. Frederick II of Prussia expressed that said territory belonged to him due to family rights and for having obtained it in the war. Maria Teresa replied that Silesia was “his most beloved province” and that he would defend her to the point of sacrifice.
Another cause was also the rapid development of Prussia, as a military power, which caused the distrust of the Central European nations.
Austria sought and obtained the alliance of France, Spain and Russia. Prussia got the support of England. The war was almost a European war. Austria was invaded by the armies of Frederick the Great; but Prussia was also invaded by a Russian army. For seven years (1757-1764) victories and defeats alternated on both sides, until the countries in struggle, through special treaties, made concessions of territories and the conflict ended. Maria Teresa, much to her regret, could not recover Silesia.

Delivery from Poland

Another of the notable events of the reign of Maria Teresa was that of having taken part in the shameful divisions of Poland, carried out by three countries (Prussia, Russia and Austria), starting in 1772.
The Austrian Empress took part in the first two distributions (1772 and 1773), despite the fact that they were repugnant to her. She did so out of fear. She saw very closely the ambition of the neighboring powers to carry out such a shameful mutilation of territories, and she surely feared that Austria would be divided up as well. The Polish nation, due to the aforementioned deals, disappeared from the map (1795).