

Right away her parents prepped this child for an important future. Unsure of any male succession, her father worked very hard to pass a succession law guaranteeing the throne to his daughter. While he worked out the political kinks of the law her mother started reviewing proper instructors and educators for a very important position. The little child would be brought up as a prince of the empire, with all the education needed to succeed in the political realm.

Elisabeth Christine watched over her education very carefully. A few things were well known about the young empress-to-be, she had intellect, grace and of course, she was very lovely.
Early on Maria Theresa was taught several languages. Most importantly she learned to speak Latin fluently. As a ruler she would learn not to trust translators who may have alternative motives, and this gives an idea of the spectrum of languages the little girl learned. Her teachers were the most notable persons at the time, and she learned liberal arts such as religion, history, math, painting, music etc.
All this education and work was put to the test when she turned 16. A very important political matter rose over the election of a new king of Poland. Called to the council were the top statesmen of the day, the meeting was held in the imperial council chamber. Her father decided to have Maria Theresa accompany him to this important and high pressure meeting. A bit like take your daughter to work day, however a bit more pressure.

"...the astonishment of the ministers was unbounded, as was the Emperor's delight also, at the clearness and accuracy of her judgment, and the acuteness and keenness of her perceptions."
Needless to say she passed her first real test, and both mother and father felt a bit more confident that their daughter, who was so well prepped would do well once on the throne!
*cough*
ReplyDeleteLauren, don't you think the succession of Maria Theresa's parents was extremely complicated?
Do you think she got her beauty from her father's side, or her mothers side?
Both her father and her uncle were very hanesome.
Fascinating! Power to women!
ReplyDeleteTalk about the right kind of parenting skills that set you up for sure success! Maria Theresa was intelligent, a polyglot, extremely literate, politically savvy, graceful, gorgeous and ultimately powerfulin her own right. Wonderful post Lauren- love it!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say you have two awards for you to do with what you'd like ..
ReplyDeleteYou have the I KEEP COMING BACK FOR MORE AWARD and also the BINGO award here:
http://burtonreview.blogspot.com/2009/08/sunday-salon-do-not-miss.html