Empress Maria, also known as Maria Theresa, was the only female ruler of the Habsburg Empire and reigned from 1740 to 1780. She was born on May 13, 1717, and became the archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary and Bohemia. Her reign was marked by significant reforms in administration, education, and military organization. Maria Theresa was a strong leader who worked to strengthen her empire after losing the War of the Austrian Succession. She implemented various policies to improve the economy and promote the welfare of her subjects. Her legacy includes the establishment of a centralized state and the promotion of religious tolerance.