Maria Theresa inherited the Austrian throne in 1740 at age 23. Her father had sp

1740 Event

Maria Theresa Takes the Austrian Throne: Europe Refuses to Accept a Woman

Maria Theresa inherited the Austrian throne in 1740 at age 23. Her father had spent years securing promises that Europe would accept a female ruler. France, Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony broke their word within weeks. Frederick the Great invaded Silesia two months later. The War of Austrian Succession lasted eight years. She lost territory but kept her throne. She ruled for 40 years.

Talk About This Event

October 20, 1740

286 years ago

What Else Happened on October 20

1349 Event

Papst Clemens VI. verbietet die öffentlichen Geißlerzüge der Flagellanten.

1465 Event

en Bélgica, se libra la batalla de Montenaken.

1520 Event

en la actual República Dominicana, Francisco Dávila funda la villa Hato Mayor del Rey como una porción de tierra que se dedicaba a la ganadería y la agricultura…

1541 Event

Kaiser Karl V. landet mit einer Flotte bei Algier, um den algerischen Korsaren das Handwerk zu legen. Ein Unwetter, das die Schiffe zerstreut, und schwere Verlu…

1548 Event

Alonso de Mendoza founded La Paz in a valley 11,975 feet above sea level on orders from Charles V. He named it Nuestra Señora de La Paz—Our Lady of Peace—becaus…

1568 Event

The Duke of Alba crushed William the Silent’s forces at the Battle of Jodoigne, scattering the Dutch rebel army and forcing William into exile. This victory sec…

View all events on October 20 →

Talk to History

Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.

Start Talking

← Back to October 20

Maria Theresa Takes the Austrian Throne: Europe Refuses to Accept a Woman

Key Figures & Places

What Else Happened on October 20

Talk to History