The Declaration of Independence

Maria Teresa had ascended the throne in 1740 at the age of 23. She realized that the old order could not survive and set about instituting a series of effective reforms. Her scarcely less remarkable son, who succeeded his father as co-regions in 1765, produced the most thoughtful expedition of the duties of an enlightened despot. The rulers feared their subjects would see the American action not as a rebellion against the rightful monarch in his own territories.