Empress Maria Theresa was the only female ruler of the Habsburg Empire, reigning from 1740 to 1780. She was born on May 13, 1717, and became the archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary and Bohemia. Maria Theresa is known for her significant reforms in education, military, and administration, which modernized her empire. She was a devoted mother to 16 children, including Marie Antoinette, who became queen of France. Maria Theresa faced numerous challenges during her reign, including the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War, but she successfully maintained her family's power and influence in Europe.