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Maria Theresa of Prussia vs. Fredrick the Great of Prussia . A Central Europe Problem . Maria Theresa (1717-1780). Daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI –only female heir to the Hapsburg Empire (think Philip II’s family) She fought hard for the title
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Maria Theresa of Prussia vs. Fredrick the Great of Prussia A Central Europe Problem
Maria Theresa (1717-1780) • Daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI –only female heir to the Hapsburg Empire (think Philip II’s family) She fought hard for the title • Had 16 children the most famous of which were Marie Antoinette and Joseph II (Enlightened Despot) • Created financial and education reforms, reorganized Austria’s military and strengthened her countries international standings
Fredrick The Great (1712-1786) • Attempts to run away as a teenager, he is more interested in art and music than ruling • First act as king is to attack the Austrian territory of Silesia – he greatly expands his kingdom during his rule • An Enlightened Despot • Reforms Include: • Modernization of bureaucracy and civil service system • Promotion of religious tolerance • Corresponded with Voltaire for the majority of his adult life
Why did Austria and Prussia hate each other? • LAND! • War of Austrian Succession • Fredrick attacks Austria and is successful in taking the region of Silesia from Maria Theresa. • This land is so important because it is rich in minerals and other natural resources. • Seven Years War • Prussia and Great Britain vs. Russia and Austria • Austria looked like they were going to win until Russia pulled out of the war. Both sides are give up by 1763. • Prussia emerges as one of the strongest military powers in the world
Exit Ticket: Who would you hire? • Imagine that you have helped create a new country named: Suburbamania • Which absolute monarch would you hire to rule your new country? • Philip II, Elizabeth I, Louis XIV, Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Maria Theresa or Fredrick the Great • Explain your response on a lined piece of paper.