Judging by the reform she made, it is doubtful whether Maria Theresa of Austria was either enlightened or a despot. Her reign had been dominated by the figure of Fredrick the Great who threatened her state with extinction within weeks of her accession. He also deprived the empress of her most valuable province and obliged her to institute reforms in order to preserve her state.
It is also evident that most of Maria Theresa's reforms were not her own. Although she showed a good judge of character and expertise in appointing her advisors, Hugwitz and Kaunitz, she was very easy to manipulate. Indeed, many of the reforms were done against the wishes of Maria Theresa herself, most noticeably the curbing of the power of the Church introduced by Joseph. These reforms were very reluctantly accepted by the Empress, as she was a devout Roman Catholic and did not want to interfere with the Church's power. All of the reforms introduced were very Enlightened although some had small elements of enlightened ideas.
Joseph II, son of Maria Theresa and brother of the infamous Marie Antoinette, queen of France during the French Revolution. One could also make the case that his mother, Maria Theresa, was also an enlightened despot, but the more common answer is Joseph.
Maria Theresa implemented some Enlightenment ideas by supporting education reforms, promoting religious tolerance, and centralizing her administration to improve efficiency and governance. She also encouraged economic development and enacted some social reforms to improve the well-being of her subjects.
Theresa Maria Coriolano was born in 1620.
Theresa Maria Coriolano died in 1671.
Maria Theresa Kemble was born in 1774.
Maria Theresa Kemble died in 1838.
Theresa Maria Clark was born in 1890.
Maria Gough is 5' 3".
May 13, 1717
Maria Theresa of Spain was born on September 10, 1638.
Maria Theresa of Spain was born on September 10, 1638.
Maria Theresa of Tuscany was born on January 14, 1767.