Austria and Prussia

Europe in the 18^th century was dominated by absolute monarchs, whose power was not limited by any elected assembly. They built palaces and attracted artists and intellectuals to their ‘enlightened’ courts. Two of the most powerful states were Austria and Prussia.

Austria was ruled by the Habsburgs, a family that had dominated Europe since the 13^th century. In the early 1500s, the Habsburg Charles V, then Holy Roman emperor, divided his huge realm. One half was ruled from Spain, the other from Vienna in Austria. In 1700, the Spanish Habsburgs died out, but the Austrian Habsburgs were still powerful. From 1740 Maria Theresa ruled Austria (which included Hungary, recaptured from the Turks). She restored its power and made Vienna the artistic centre of Europe. Artists and architects from all over Europe came to work on its grand building projects. Maria Theresa was succeeded on 1780 by her son Joseph II.

Joseph was influenced by the Enlightenment. He freed the serfs and abolished privileges enjoyed by nobles.

Frederick II (the Great) became king of Prussia in 1740. An outstanding general, he inherited a well-organized state with a powerful army, which he used to make Prussia a major power in Europe.