In Our Time Maria Theresa
Oct 22, 2020
Catriona Seth, Marshall Foch Professor of French Literature at the University of Oxford, Martyn Rady, Professor of Central European History at University College London, and Thomas Biskup, Lecturer in Early Modern History at the University of Hull, delve into the remarkable life of Maria Theresa. They discuss her rise to power, facing threats from neighbors, and her political reforms that transformed Austria. The conversation also highlights her controversial religious policies, strategic marital alliances, and the lasting impact of her reign on European society.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Inheritance as Opportunity
- Maria Theresa's inheritance of the Austrian throne was seen as an opportunity by neighboring powers.
- Her father, Emperor Charles VI, had no male heir and had established the Pragmatic Sanction to secure the Habsburg line.
Catholicism's Grip
- Catholicism was central to Maria Theresa's life and rule, influencing her decisions on both personal and state levels.
- She believed virtue stemmed from religion and aligned with Catholics more easily than Protestants.
Religious Discrimination
- Maria Theresa relocated and tried converting Protestants while displaying open hostility towards Jews.
- She implemented discriminatory measures like assigning stigmatizing surnames to Jews in Galicia.