'Maria Theresa' Summary

Maria Theresa, the daughter of Emperor Charles VI, faced an uphill battle to secure her inheritance to the throne. Despite her father's efforts to ensure her succession, the Holy Roman Empire was rife with opposition. This biography by James Franck Bright details Maria Theresa's early years as Empress. He describes her adeptness at navigating complex political landscapes, employing both diplomacy and military might to maintain her power. Facing the challenge of her male rivals claiming her throne, she formed alliances, orchestrated secret negotiations, and waged wars to defend her dominion. The book examines the strategic decisions she made, her relationships with key figures in Europe, and the impact her reign had on the balance of power in the 18th century. Through these accounts, Bright unveils the formidable character of Maria Theresa, a woman who defied tradition and proved her competence as a ruler.