Marie Thérèse of Austria (1717-1780) was a prominent Habsburg archduchess and the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions. She became the sovereign of the {Austrian Empire} after her father, {Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI}, died in 1740. Her reign marked significant political and military challenges, including the {War of the Austrian Succession}. As a ruler, Marie Thérèse implemented various reforms to modernize her empire, focusing on education, taxation, and military organization. She was also the mother of 16 children, including {Marie Antoinette}, who became the queen of {France}. Her legacy includes strengthening the Habsburg dynasty and promoting central authority.