The Last Days of Maria Theresa
Peace! The joyful cry rang from one end of Maria Theresa’s dominions to
the other, and was echoed in her own heart; for, deeply as she grieved
over Silesia, now lost to her forever, she must have had a feeling of
thankfulness when she thought of those battlefields which had been
reddened with the blood of so many thousands of her people. Her deeply
religious nature must have prompted the thought: “Since all my
sacrifices, all my efforts and exertions have availed nothing toward the
restoration of Silesia to me, it must be the will of Him who rules all,
and without whose notice not a sparrow falls.”
The great Empress, who could control herself so well, could not fail to
recognize how incomplete her efforts toward governing and improving the
condition of her people had been thus far, and to welcome a peace which
would enable her to continue the work, and, in devoting all her energies
to remove the devastation caused by the war, find a balm for the wound
in her own heart which the loss of Silesia had inflicted.
It would be doing Maria Theresa a great injustice, however, to imply
that she to whom the condition of the government and its evils had been
so clear, even during her father’s lifetime, had not profited by the
occasional intervals of peace which the country had enjoyed, and worked
zealously for their reform until war again turned the ploughshare into
the sword. It was impossible for her to recognize defects without
endeavoring to remedy them. We have already seen how resolutely she
checked the luxury and extravagance of the Court after her father’s
death; how, taught by bitter experience the need of reformation in the
army, she had strengthened and prepared it for the long and desperate
struggle that was to come; how she had increased the country’s revenues
and readjusted the system of taxation upon which she depended for means
to defend her right to the throne; and with what unerring judgment she
had chosen the best men to carry out her plans, and placed them where
their abilities would be of most service to the country.
Her character and talents especially fitted her for the position she
occupied as sovereign of a great Empire in need of reorganization, for
to her clear insight, her habit of going to the root of things, and her
wide sympathies, was added a calmness and strength of purpose which
enabled her to achieve great results without rashness or precipitancy.
Her reforms indeed were brought about so gradually, and newer and more
effective methods succeeded the old so naturally, that they aroused no
opposition, and were accomplished with none of that confusion which more
abrupt and violent changes might have caused. She took great pleasure in
watching the fruitful results of these efforts, without any desire for
that personal glory which is often so cheaply obtained. There was, in
truth, no department of public affairs which was not in need of
reconstruction, no part of the national life where she did not find
something to rectify; but nothing escaped her, even to the smallest
detail. Everywhere, from the army down to her own domestic service, the
results of her conscientious care and judicious supervision were
visible.
In all matters of learning and education Maria Theresa depended on the
help of Van Swieten, an eminent and accomplished Dutch physician. She
had appointed him to a position in Court, but soon recognized his
profound knowledge in all branches of learning, and at once assigned him
to a field where his talents could be utilized, not only in the sanitary
administration of her realm, but also in other departments in which his
services were quite as valuable.
Under the personal supervision of the Empress, Van Swieten undertook the
reconstruction of the whole system of education and the reorganization
of the Imperial library. Many schools and institutions were established,
including one for the study of Oriental languages, rendered necessary by
the increasing importance of Austria’s relations with the East, one for
veterinary surgery, and an academy for young noblemen. Though deeply and
sincerely devout, Maria Theresa realized that the ecclesiastical power
and authority required restriction, and that the condition of the
monasteries was sadly in need of reform. Much as she accomplished for
higher culture, the education of the lower classes was no less important
to her; for Austria had not kept pace with general progress in this
direction, and dense ignorance prevailed among them. Her chief adviser
and supporter in this work was Joseph von Sonnenfels, whose suggestion,
“It is not enough to have public schools in the large cities; not even
the smallest village should be without one,” was warmly approved by
Maria Theresa, the mother of her country. The Normal School in Vienna
set an example for other cities, which was soon followed in the
so-called “low country.”
If the abolishment of the rack, with its inhuman and unchristian
tortures, had been Maria Theresa’s only contribution to higher
civilization in her Empire, she would have deserved the thanks, not only
of her own people but of all mankind; but while this was her most
notable act, there was no department of life, no branch of the
government, that did not bear witness to her noble qualities of head and
heart or feel the influence of her beneficent power. She loved and
fostered music, and among the masters who shed a lustre over that period
the great names of Gluck, Haydn, and Mozart will testify to her
unfailing interest in this art; while the branches of painting and
sculpture claimed no less a share of her patronage and support.
It is useless to attempt here to go into all the details of her various
achievements, but one subject must be mentioned which deeply involved
the welfare of the people and of the country,—that of agriculture,
trade, and commerce. Her efforts to improve agricultural conditions were
necessarily rudimental, and results were left for the future to develop;
but it was Maria Theresa’s sowing that made the harvest of later times
possible, and she prepared the way by founding schools for the study of
agriculture, thus providing opportunities for the farmers to secure
larger knowledge of their avocation. Another great step was the
realization of the need of a system of drainage, now so indispensable to
human welfare, but which at that time had received little attention,
especially in Austria. She instituted a thorough study of the subject,
had large areas of land drained and made productive, thus providing more
farms for the people. She also built new villages in the sparsely
populated districts of Hungary, Galicia, Bohemia, and Banat,[19] and
settled them with industrious workmen; founded the Economical Society of
Lower Austria, and instituted annual prize examinations. She imported
merino sheep from Spain, and had them distributed among sheep-raisers.
In Hungary and Bohemia, where there were large flax fields, apiaries
were started. Fine breeds of horses were raised for use by the cavalry.
In these and other ways the resources of the country were developed for
its own enrichment, instead of going out of the country for the
advantage of foreign treasuries. Trade and commerce were facilitated by
the building of new roads and canals. Rivers were made more navigable;
new markets were opened up and seaports were improved and increased,
while home industries and manufactures were encouraged by the erection
of factories.
In short, the field over which her watchful supervision extended was
boundless, and yet every detail received her personal attention. All
reports were made to her directly, and she discussed matters of all
kinds with those who were experts, often surprising them by her accurate
knowledge and apt suggestions. And yet with all these cares the Empress
still found time to perform the various duties of government with
unabated zeal and energy, and devoted herself to her family, the care of
which was a sacred mission to her, with the utmost fidelity.
As we take a glance into this august family circle it is difficult to
believe it that of an Emperor and Empress, such an atmosphere of
simplicity and sincere affection prevailed there. Maria Theresa presided
over it with all the womanly charm and devotion of a true German
housewife and mother. A handsomer royal couple could scarcely have been
found. Their married life had been very happy, for they were one in
heart and mind. She was devoted to her husband and he to her, although
her father had not favored the attachment. The Emperor Francis II was
calm and deliberate; Maria Theresa high-spirited and quick-tempered, but
firm and decided, and full of life and vivacity. Their natures therefore
complemented each other, the Emperor’s placidity and easy-going
disposition often acting as a beneficial restraint. When a disagreement
occurred between them,—something that will happen in the happiest
married life,—the Empress would burst out impetuously, while her consort
only grumbled in his beard; but the chief lady-in-waiting, Countess
Fuchs, who shared the confidence of both, usually succeeded in soon
restoring peace, for their misunderstandings never lasted long.
The Emperor rarely concerned himself with matters that did not appeal to
his own tastes and inclinations, and took no part in affairs of state
except at the request of his wife. At such times he gave his advice
gladly and cheerfully, for no one could resist the covert flattery of
Maria Theresa’s entreaties. Their marriage was blessed with sixteen
children, living bonds which united and made the happiness of their
lives, and whose love and affection were a refuge to the Empress from
the cares of state. How often must her weary brain and overburdened soul
have found rest and comfort in the embraces of her children, especially
the younger ones, always nearest to a mother’s heart, while she drew
fresh strength and courage from their pure and innocent affection! The
difference in the natures of the imperial pair was of advantage also in
the training of their children, for the father’s unfailing patience and
good nature often acted as a check on the mother’s hasty and imperious
temper. At the same time there was no friction, for they were of one
mind as to the importance of implanting the right principles; the
Emperor insisting on strict obedience, propriety of behavior, and order
(which was especially dear to him), while their moral and religious
training fell to the share of the Empress, who never appeared lovelier
or more interesting than in the privacy of her family life.
The education of their numerous children was the most sacred duty and
interest of both parents, and their teachers were selected with the
greatest care. The Empress devoted especial attention to the education
of her oldest son and successor, Joseph, particularly in the various
languages spoken in her dominions. She knew from her own experience how
strong is the bond between a sovereign and his people when he can speak
with them in their mother-tongue. As a mark of her gratitude toward
Hungary, she gave her dear “Seppel” (her familiar name for the Archduke
Joseph), as steward of his household, the brave Hungarian Prince
Bathiany, a man well fitted for the position and much esteemed and
beloved by his own countrymen. No detail was neglected in the care
bestowed on the management of the royal children, and the Empress’
strict orders that they should “always be courteous to servants and
inferiors” might well serve as an example to all mothers. This simple
and beautiful family life, which had been Maria Theresa’s chief joy and
happiness, was sadly shattered by the death of the husband to whom she
was so tenderly attached. It cast a deep shadow over the rest of her
life, and from the day of his death she never laid aside her mourning.
How richly Maria Theresa rewarded faithful service, aside from the
honors or orders she conferred, is shown by the friendly relations
between herself and the men she most valued and esteemed. She called old
Count Palffy her “father”; the brave and loyal Khevenhüller, her
“knight”; gallant Traun, her “shield”; and so on. Of the honored Count
Chotek she once wrote: “I have had news from him every day, and was
anxious for two days lest the worst might happen. When he is able to be
out of bed, I shall visit him.” Again, when Count Chotek had begged from
the Empress the services of the Court physician, Dr. Kessler, for his
sick child, she wrote back at once:
“Thank God that he is to be in such good hands as Kessler’s. It can be
easily arranged, and the letter will be sent to Van Swieten as a matter
of form. I could not sleep last night for thinking of the charming
child, and Van Swieten was much affected when he learned from me of his
condition, but cheered up at once when he found that Kessler had charge
of him. I hope he will not be marked as his brother Humelauer was,[20]
and that Kessler will let me know every day how he is, for I am deeply
interested.”
[Illustration: “_Be comforted, my good woman, for I have come to see
you_”]
Once when she was at Laxenburg[21] it chanced that a poor woman, one
hundred and eight years of age, who was well known to her, and had not
missed for many years the usual ceremony of the foot-washing on Maundy
Thursday, was unable that year to be present, and bitterly lamented that
she was not to see her beloved Empress. Maria Theresa heard of this, and
was so touched by it that she went herself to the dame’s miserable
dwelling.
“You were grieving,” she said, with her winning smile, “because you
could not see me? Well, be comforted then, my good woman, for I have
come to see you,” and seating herself by the sick-bed she talked for
some time with the delighted old woman in her kindly and sympathetic
way, leaving when she departed a sum of money for her care and support.
Nor did she ever afterward lose sight of her.
An event which happened at the time of the birth of one of her grandsons
is deeply graven on the hearts of the Austrians. She was at the theatre
on the evening of February 19, 1768, when a message was brought to her
announcing the birth of a son to her daughter-in-law, the wife of her
son Leopold, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Overjoyed with the news, she quickly
rose, and leaning far over the railing of her box she waved the paper
and announced to the audience, “Leopold has a boy!” It may be imagined
what applause followed these words, so clearly illustrating the familiar
relations existing between her and her people.
But Maria Theresa’s declining years unfortunately were destined to be no
less stormy than the rest of her life had been. The death of her
husband, coming so suddenly and unexpectedly, was a crushing blow, but
in so far as she felt the need of a man’s help she depended on her son
Joseph. She made him co-regent with her, not because his youthful
strength and energy were necessary to her, but because circumstances
made it desirable. Many political complications had arisen—notably the
partition of Poland, against which Maria Theresa, with her strong sense
of right and justice, protested vigorously. The mere mention of it
sufficed to arouse her furious indignation. Although the Poles had
brought it upon themselves, and perhaps deserved no better fate, she
felt sure that only evil could result from such a step, as a declaration
she made over her own signature when the affair was concluded shows. It
ran thus: “I agree to it since such a number of wise men have so
decreed, but long after I am dead time will show the bitter
consequences!” The whole affair caused her “great sorrow,” as she
herself expressed it, and made her feel “more anxious than anything has
ever done; indeed I am ashamed to have witnessed it!”
The Emperor Joseph’s political views were decidedly opposed to those of
his great mother, and necessarily so, perhaps, owing to the changes in
conditions and circumstances. This was especially the case in the matter
of the Bavarian succession, which cast a shadow over the Empress’ later
years. On the death of the Elector of Bavaria without issue, Joseph laid
claim to his dominions; but Maria Theresa recognized the weakness of
these claims, although at the same time she strongly resented Frederick
II’s interference and opposition to her son’s plans. She shrank from the
prospect of another war, but the situation became so involved and
threatening that a conflict seemed inevitable. Preparations for war were
actually begun, when the Peace of Teschen[22] put an end to the danger,
much to Maria Theresa’s relief as well as satisfaction, for she had
practically been the means of bringing it about.
Her great influence and popularity remained undiminished to the last;
nor did age destroy the charm of her personality, although increasing
stoutness caused her much annoyance and trouble. Her mind and heart
retained all their youthful vigor, however, nor did she ever lose her
kindly interest and sympathy for those about her.
On the eighteenth of November, 1780, a singular accident occurred to the
Empress. Her grief for her dead husband was deep and sincere, and she
faithfully observed every anniversary of his death, often going to his
tomb in the imperial vault. As she walked with great difficulty,
however, and the climbing of stairs was especially unpleasant to her,
she had had a sort of seat contrived in which she could be raised or
lowered easily and slowly into the vault. Upon her visit to the tomb on
this occasion she had almost reached the floor of the vault when the
strong rope which lowered her broke. She was not injured except from the
shock, but this affected her all the more, for she regarded the incident
as an omen that she too would soon be consigned to that silent place of
rest.
Indeed, on the very next day, possibly as the result of a chill
contracted in the tomb, she was seized with convulsive attacks of
coughing, which she at first considered of little consequence; but the
spasms grew so much worse that suffocation was feared. Bleeding brought
little relief, and pleurisy soon developed, increasing her distress so
that she was forced to sit up in an arm-chair. She bore her sufferings
patiently and uncomplainingly, however. Only once, after a severe
paroxysm of coughing and struggle for breath, she said, “God grant the
end may come soon, for I do not know how I can bear it any longer,” and
to the Archduke Maximilian she remarked, “Thus far my courage and
firmness have not deserted me; pray God, upon Whom all my thoughts are
fixed, that I may keep them to the last!”
The malady increased, and a premonition of approaching death seized her.
She called for the last sacrament, like a good Catholic, and then
summoned to her bedside all the members of her family who were in
Vienna.
“Dear children,” she said, “I have received the holy sacrament and know
there is no hope of recovery for me. Remember what care and pains your
father, the late Emperor, and I have bestowed upon your education; how
we have always loved you and tried to do everything for you that could
add to your happiness. All that I have in the world belongs to you,”
turning to the Emperor Joseph, “so I need make no disposition of
anything. Only my children belong to me, and always will. I commit them
to your care. Be a father to them! I shall die content if I have your
promise to watch over them truly and faithfully.”
To the other children she said, “Henceforth you must look upon the
Emperor as your sovereign; obey and honor him as such. Be guided by his
counsel; trust and love him with all your hearts, that he may have cause
to bestow on you his care, his friendship, and his affection.”
Then she quietly and calmly bestowed a maternal blessing upon each of
her children, absent as well as present. Deeply moved, they gave way to
their grief in sobs and tears, which affected Maria Theresa most
painfully, but she controlled herself and said to them firmly:
“I think it would be better for you to go into the next room and compose
yourselves.”
Even at that solemn moment she was still busy with affairs of
government, and she signed several state documents with her own hand.
She thanked her faithful Kaunitz for his loyal service to her, and also
charged the Hungarian chancellor, Esterhazy, to convey her thanks to his
people for all their loyalty, devotion, and help in time of need, at the
same time bidding the Emperor Joseph ever to bear this in mind.
Joseph never left her side. She suffered greatly from distress for
breath, and at eight o’clock cried out: “Open the window!” at the same
time rising from her chair. The Emperor supported her gently in his
arms, and asked, “Where does Your Majesty wish to go?”
Looking upward, she cried, “To thee! I come!” and with these last words
sank back and expired.
Her death occurred November 29, 1780, in the sixty-fourth year of her
age. Four days afterward she was laid by the side of her husband in the
imperial vault of the Capuchins in Vienna. Her death plunged the whole
country into mourning. Few have departed from life so beloved and so
honored.
Frederick the Great wrote of her: “The death of the Empress has grieved
me much; she honored her throne and her sex. I have made war upon her,
but I have never been her enemy!”
Footnotes
[1]The term “Pragmatic Sanction” was first used in the case of decrees
issued by Byzantine emperors with reference to the affairs of their
provinces. It was next applied to the limitations of the spiritual
authority of the Pope in European countries. In the sense in which it
is used above it is applied to the succession of sovereignty. The
Pragmatic Sanction of Charles VI is the most famous of all. It had
three provisions, (1) that the lands belonging to the house of
Austria should remain indivisible; (2) that in the absence of male
heirs they should devolve upon Charles’ daughters, the oldest of whom
was Maria Theresa; and (3) that in case of the extinction of the
line, the inheritance should pass to the daughters of Joseph I and
their descendants. Charles issued this Sanction in 1713.
[2]Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of Hungary and Bohemia,
and Empress of Germany, was the daughter of Charles VI of Austria and
Elizabeth Christina of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. After the death of
Archduke Leopold, her only brother, she became sole heiress of the
Austrian dominions in 1724, married Francis Stephen of Lorraine in
1736, came to the throne in 1740, her husband being declared
co-regent. She died in 1780. Of her sixteen children, ten reached
maturity. Her sons were Joseph II, who succeeded his father as Holy
Roman Emperor in 1765; Emperor Leopold II; Ferdinand, Duke of Modena,
and Maximilian, Elector of Cologne. Her most famous daughter was
Marie Antoinette, wife of Louis XVI of France, one of the many
victims of the French Revolution.
[3]Prince Eugene, one of the greatest of the world’s generals, was born
at Paris, October 18, 1663, and died at Vienna, April 21, 1736. He
entered the service of Austria in 1683; defeated the Turks in 1697;
at the outbreak of the Spanish war of the succession invaded Italy;
joined Marlborough in Germany; and defeated the French and Bavarians
at Blenheim in 1704. In 1706 he drove the French out of Italy, and in
1708 won the great victories at Oudenarde, Lille, and Malplaquet. War
breaking out afresh with Turkey, he won the great battle at Belgrade
against overwhelming odds, and forced the Turks to accept peace. The
year of Maria Theresa’s nuptials, 1736, was the year of his death.
[4]Frederick contended that he inherited a lawful claim to Silesia, and
that the Pragmatic Sanction, which his father had recognized,
referred only to lands belonging to the house of Austria.
[5]Frederick offered to aid Maria Theresa against all her enemies if she
would concede his claims upon Silesia, but the Queen haughtily
declined, and even intimated that Frederick was a robber.
[6]Count Maximilian Ulysses von Browne, an Austrian field-marshal, was
born at Basel, Switzerland, Oct. 23, 1705, and died at Prague,
Bohemia, June 26, 1757. He was a commander both in the War of the
Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War.
[7]Count Kurt Christoph Schwerin, a German general, was born at
Wusecken, Pomerania, Oct. 26, 1684, and was killed at the battle of
Prague, May 6, 1757. He was made a field-marshal by Frederick the
Great, and won the important victory of Mollwitz, a Silesian village.
[8]This refers to the time when the Hungarians revolted and called upon
the Turks to help them. The latter, under Kara Mustapha, besieged
Vienna in 1683, which was only saved by an army of Poles and Germans
under Sobieski (John III, King of Poland), in which Kolonitzsch and
Stahremberg were conspicuous.
[9]Karl Albrecht, Elector of Bavaria, subsequently Charles VII, was born
at Brussels, Aug. 6, 1697, and died at Munich, Jan. 20, 1745. He was
a claimant of the Austrian inheritance, took part in the War of the
Succession, was proclaimed King of Bohemia in 1741, and crowned
Emperor in 1742.
[10]Hans Joachim von Zieten was a famous cavalry officer in the Prussian
army, and won distinction from a march with his hussars in 1745. He
decided three of Frederick’s victories,—Leuthen, Liegnitz, and
Torgau.
[11]Count Raimondo Montecuculi was born at Modena, Italy, in 1608, and
died at Linz, Austria, in 1680. He served with great distinction in
the Thirty Years’ War; commanded the Austrian army which was sent to
Poland against the Swedes and Transylvanians, 1657-60; gained a great
battle over the Turks at St. Gotthard in 1664; and fought Turenne and
Condé on the Rhine from 1672 to 1675. He wrote a famous treatise on
the art of war, from which the saying above attributed to him is
quoted.
[12]Kurmark the old name for the larger portion of Brandenburg, Prussia.
[13]Philip V of Spain, the grandson of Louis XIV of France, was born at
Versailles, Dec. 19, 1683; died at Madrid, July 9, 1746. He was
called the Duke of Anjou until his succession to the Spanish throne,
which caused the War of the Spanish Succession.
[14]Ferdinand VI, born Sept. 13, 1712, was the son of Philip V, and
succeeded his father in 1746. He was of a weak constitution and
melancholy, and relinquished the affairs of government almost
entirely to his counsellors. His melancholy eventually developed into
insanity.
[15]Wenzel Anton Kaunitz, Count of Rietberg, was one of the most famous
of European diplomatists. He was born at Vienna, Jan. 2, 1711. His
first mission was the formation of an alliance of Austria, Sardinia,
and Great Britain against the Bourbons. He laid the foundation of his
fame at the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748. Between 1750 and
1752 he concluded a secret alliance between France and Austria. In
1756 he was made Chancellor of the Netherlands and Italy, and at the
partition of Poland in 1772 he secured Galicia for Austria. He
directed the affairs of Austria for more than forty years, and was
specially prominent in his resistance to the power of Prussia.
[16]“Prince Folly.”
[17]Madame Pompadour had great influence in the Court of Louis XV of
France, and virtually dictated the policy of the government during
this period.
[18]The Czarina died Jan. 5, 1762.
[19]Banat is a part of Southern Hungary between the Maros on the north,
the Theiss on the west, and the Danube on the south. It was part of
the “Military Frontier” which Maria Theresa established.
[20]Smallpox was epidemic at this time in Vienna.
[21]Laxenburg is a village about nine miles from Vienna, where there was
a castle and royal park.
[22]Teschen is a manufacturing town in Austrian Silesia. The treaty
concluded there May 13, 1779, between Austria and Prussia, terminated
the War of the Bavarian Succession, and is known as “The Peace of
Teschen.”
Appendix
The following is a chronological statement of the more important events
in the reign of Maria Theresa:
1717 Birth of Maria Theresa.
1731 Acceptance of the Pragmatic Sanction.
1733 War with France on behalf of King of Poland.
1736 Marriage of Maria Theresa to Francis of Lorraine.
1739 Peace with Turkey.
1740 Death of Emperor Charles VI.
1740 Succession of Maria Theresa.
1745 Francis I elected Emperor.
1741-45 War of the Austrian Succession.
1745 Peace concluded at Dresden.
1745-48 War with France.
1748 Peace concluded at Aix-la-Chapelle.
1757-63 Seven Years’ War.
1763 Peace concluded at Hubertsburg.
1765 Death of Emperor Francis I.
1765 Succession of Joseph II.
1772 Partition of Poland.
1778-79 War of the Bavarian Succession concluded, without bloodshed,
by Peace of Teschen.
1780 Death of Maria Theresa.
LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
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domain in the country of publication.
--In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the
HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)
--Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and
dialect unchanged.