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.