Empress Maria Theresa

Hello. My name is Maria Theresa. I was born a very long time ago, on May 13th, 1717, in a beautiful palace in Vienna, Austria. My father was the powerful Emperor Charles VI. He had hoped for a son to be the next ruler, but he loved me dearly. Because he wanted me to lead after him, he made a special rule just for me. This meant that one day, I would be in charge of many lands and people, which was very unusual for a girl back then.

When I was 23 years old, in the year 1740, my dear father passed away, and I became the ruler. It was a very difficult time because some people didn't believe a woman could be a strong leader. They tried to take my lands away from me, but I was determined to protect my people. I said, 'I will not give up.' I also had a wonderful family. I married a kind man named Francis Stephen, and together we had sixteen children. Our family filled the palace with love and laughter and gave me strength.

As a ruler, my biggest wish was to make life better for everyone in my kingdom. I believed that learning was very important for a happy life. In 1774, I made a new rule that said all children, both boys and girls, had to go to school. I wanted everyone to have the chance to learn how to read and write. I also worked to make things fairer for the farmers who grew our food and helped make my country stronger and more organized. I always tried to rule with my heart and be kind to my people.

I ruled for 40 years, always trying my best for my people. I lived to be 63 years old. Today, people remember me as a strong queen who wasn't afraid to lead. I showed the world that a woman could be a powerful and caring ruler, and I am remembered for helping my country and its people grow.