The Habsburg Empire: 1740-1765 (Documentary)

In 1740, Maria Theresa ascended the throne of the Habsburg Monarchy. Within months her rule was challenged by many of the European powers, from Frederick the Great's Prussia to Louis XV's France. Over the next 25 years, as she sought to defend her inheritance, she reformed the Monarchy into one of Europe's leading powers.
This video aims to be a short documentary, covering Maria Theresa's early reign. It briefly covers The War of the Austrian Succession, The Seven Years' War, and Austrian efforts at reform.
Patreon: / oldbritannia
#habsburg #history #prussia

[@OldBritannia]

I hope you enjoy this first part in a new series on the Habsburg Empire, starting with Maria Theresa's early reign. Thank you for watching, and to Patrons for voting on the topic.

[@jackbharucha1475]

This is a series I have waited a long time for.

[@eventsmydearboy9208]

Excited for a new series, the Habsburgs are fascinating

[@jackbharucha1475]

Any possibility of going further back and covering the early Hapsburg foreign policy of Charles V.

[@natalassblaster]

Will Hapsburg Jaw memes be prominently featured?? 👀

[@metallfanyt]

Hey, very nice video 👍 May I ask you which editing program you use?

[@queimportaqueimporta]

This channel should have a million subscribers. One day it will.

[@danielbwest]

We're getting there 👍

[@jackthemac132]

oh for sure, the amount of views these videos get far far exceeds the subscriber base -- just takes some time for it to catch up

[@ericcarlson3746]

all descendants of Leopold II's 16 children and one "out of wedlock" child [Luigi von Grün (1788-1814)]!

[@neonpowar3766]

a new old britannia video? i couldnt be more delighted

[@YarPirates-vy7iv]

No, this is clearly an old new brittania video.

[@ichnehmzweidoener9939]

Splendid

[@WillTheForests]

I AM OBSESSED WITH THE HABSBURGS! I’m thrilled to see they will be getting a series on their early modern history.

[@James-sk4db]

There is a long form lecture style series on them from ‘Apostolic Majesty’ channel which starts at charlemagne

[@WillTheForests]

@@James-sk4db You're a godsend, I will look into this!

[@lephinor2458]

There is another channel about the HRE it's called Empire-Builders

[@BlameThande]

Excellent! I said I wanted to see more 18th century content from you but I didn't expect to see it so soon! I always described the War of the Austrian Succession as the "Yes, but we've changed our minds now" War given Frederick had gone along with the Pragmatic Sanction prior to the Emperor's death.

[@Schnitzelfox]

As austrian I really love that you are doing a episode about the Habsurg monarchy, if you find any sources, wich are only available in german I could translate it if you want.

[@adamkerman475]

What a gracious offer!

[@sliftylovesyou]

Is there any support for a Habsburg restoration in Austria?

[@Schnitzelfox]

@@sliftylovesyounot really, there are a few nuts, but nothing serious.

[@OldBritannia]

Thank you, very generous, I may well take to up on that as I get further into the series.

[@Edmonton-of2ec]

@@SchnitzelfoxWouldn’t really be fair to call them nuts considering the last Crown Prince of Austria was buried like he was the bloody emperor in 2011, his eldest son served as an Austrian MEP and his other son is currently the Hungarian Ambassador to France. The family remains involved in politics and maintains a high public profile.

[@WeLoveGlennMurray]

Been watching history videos on KZbin for years now, but no other channel comes close to the quality of your content.

[@shawnurch8755]

His voice is so good it's relaxing, makes it more watchable

[@dsagman]

Possibly the clearest and best summary of this part of history I have seen. Thank you for this. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@OldBritannia]

Thank you, you’re very kind.

[@e.lectric9990]

The Holy Roman Empire, and then the Habsburg Empire following on from it, has always been my stubborn odd historical interest, so a focused look at the area is much appreciated! Thank you!

[@MalikF15]

Now isn’t this spicy. Taking a Detour from our usual program to talk about one of the underrated eras. Love your presentation style and informative commentary

[@guidoserafino2943]

Nice seeing better and better quality videos. Thanks as always

[@user-wk3xh1bk8e]

Really one the best channels this platform can offer... thank you!!

[@donschlafrythmus2357]

The quality of these videos really is amazing, thank you for brightening my day with some excellent history content!

[@dorostol93]

I liked the clip before even watching it knowing for sure it will be of a very high quality! Thank you for your dedication, OldBritannia! I hope you find the right balance in your life! Can't wait for tonight to watch the video! 🙏

[@British_monarchist]

I was literally just thinking a day before you uploaded this how great it would be if you did a series on the hapsburgs. Truly one of if not my favorite European dynasties. Thank you for doing this hard work and keeping your channel alive.

[@gamelandmaster3680]

This video came in the same vein as the first day of snow each winter: delightfully unexpected with a tang of something new to get used to. Huzzah for more excellent geopolitics by him truly!

[@MrPresidente98]

Such a great video and the channel as a whole. Advanced historical knowledge, extended lenght of the video, great quality of the production.The lack of 18/19th century historical contant on youtube is quite disappointing, so I glad you are filling this gap! Keep up the great work!

[@mugluvin3300]

I love the Hapsburg empire, so fascinating to learn about and just a past major player that isn’t about anyone other than in the form of an Austrian rump state.

[@robertfranklin422]

Thank you!!! Excellent as always!

[@thoughtfox12]

One of the best channels going. Never compromise your vision!

[@nightdragonx123]

I love hearing you discuss Austria during this time period (or any for that matter) and i was just thinking to myself yesterday that you hadnt posted in a little while. Happy to see your work sir

[@TheSotis12345]

Fantastic video again! I love this part of history and it is a joy watching you cover this period of great power politics! Just brilliant 🤩

[@cretansuperbos2121]

I love your channel. You cover the topics well and with balance; straight, no chaser.

[@artemisbond9923]

Outstanding as always, OB!

[@whitewolfpatriot]

Love your work❤

[@CommonSwindler]

Unique deep dives like this make this channel one of the most rewarding history ones on youtube. Hope to see a similar video on Catherine the Great’s foreign policy/ministers at some point.

[@CommonSwindler]

@OldBritannia Have you seen Historia Civilis' new video. It reminds me of of your trademark dives into the Anglosphere at work.

[@dano4996]

I saw your video, I instantly clicked on because i'm interested by the habsburg empire. Your videos are such hight qualities one, you can be proud of it. It would be very captivating if you could make videos about diplomatic system that emerged after some conflits like the Westphalian system, the vienna system or the Bismarckian system, the aims of each power and do they were able to fulfill partially or totally their ambitions. Thanks for reading 😊.

[@mattybus]

Heck yeah! Absolutely love seeing new videos from you. Big fan of the jokes in this vid.

[@unusualhistorian1336]

Keep it up! Your videos are incredible!

[@hassanminbaghdad]

Excellent narration, thank you for your high quality videos

[@_FirstHokage_]

It is so nice to see Rosalia Carriera’s artwork being put into the context of her epoch! Thank you for a great video!

[@Judaism44]

The quality of content never ceases to amaze me

[@porygonyt8014]

I was hoping you’d do a video on Maria Theresa and Joseph I for a while! Great video loved it

[@haydenaubrey6195]

Every day that you post is a day that gets me excited to watch once more 😊

[@owenowen212]

Another excellent video, thank you.

[@joshwebb5016]

Was not expecting a Habsburg video. A surprise to be sure but a welcome one

[@rca4788]

Finaly a new video

[@kreol1q1q]

Excellent video, thanks for making it. I really appreciate your Habsburg videos a lot, because there's a dearth of good content relating to them in English, and so people generally tend to either be uninformed or misinformed on the topic, relying on many stereotypes to fill the gaps.

[@theblobfishes746]

Excited for this new series

[@jackoofman2560]

Love the videos, highlight of my week

[@Aerial_Morello]

I love these episodes talking about the Habsburgs, great upload

[@Boatswain_Tam]

This is great! Looking forward to more Habsburg content. It'll also be great if you can do more early modern history!

[@johnabcs1]

Awesome vids!!! Thanks!

[@TheUniversalNetworks]

Frankly, i think this is the best work of its kind on youtube. A pleasure to watch as always!

[@OldBritannia]

Thank you, very kind of you to say.

[@HistoryReforged]

Love this channel. Glad you keep making content. I know it's niche and doesn't get the flashy views, but its great content nontheless.

[@witchland]

I have enjoyed your previous content, and this is a fascinating subject to dive into. I have just subscribed to your channel. Keep up the excellent work.

[@OldBritannia]

Thank you, glad you’re enjoying it.

[@stevesmith9980]

You've got great videos. You've read very long and deeply on history, and have mature reflections. A very fresh change of pace compared to a lot of the parvenues making videos on here. Feels like everyone on KZbin is a self-proclaimed expert on something they didn't even know existed six months ago.

[@aeglosux]

Loving your channel, thanks for the citing and depth of analysis. If I could ask one thing: would it be possible to make playlists for the different topics you speak about? There is one on the Other Great Game. But when searching for a video, having one for videos on the Napoleonic Wars, for example, would help. Not all videos easily fit in one, but for the ones that are chronologicallly linked, it would help me greatly with searchability. Thanks!

[@zico739]

Good stuff as usual.

[@josephb7594]

Love this! The Habsburgs are so overlooked in mainstream histories (especially post German unification) but imo they’re utterly fascinating. OB uploads make my day as always!

[@estebancastellino3284]

this channel is awesome

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Absolutely phenomenal! I’m so glad to be learning more about this, in particularly the great Queen!

[@yurilemay884]

Impressive. Thank you.

[@mariosgaroufalis4639]

Amazing video

[@vishackvapricorn3426]

Another masterpiece 💯

[@avejanjacomocaelorum]

Beautiful channel.

[@davidmajer3652]

As usual, a very watchable history lesson.

[@ScipioVision]

Great video

[@Zlorthishen]

i love these videos

[@cartergeorge1545]

Wow wow wow. I am so glad you did more Austria content I've really enjoyed it this far! Will you ever do some more specific, internal British conflict videos? Say the Civil War, Roses, or maybe even something earlier...

[@OldBritannia]

I’d like to do a history of England series at some point. Obviously with late 19th century diplomatic history being my area of interest, it’s rather outside my comfort zone. But yes that will be covered in it. When I’ll get round to it though I can’t say, maybe after this series is finished?

[@cartergeorge1545]

@@OldBritannia lol do whatever I am here for it!

[@S1AR_DUS1]

You rival Historia Civilis in my excitement when a new video releases

[@Visibletoallusers12]

This was incredible, please can you make a part 2?

[@jared_hall]

Its gonna 5 part series🎉

[@Centristlol]

I’m not sure of this was intentional or not, but I love the little jokes you sprinkled in! They’re funny, yet subtle enough to not distract from the video.

[@joshuarafaelfc2112]

Amazing 🤩!!

[@micahistory]

Incredible video, never seen anyone cover this in such depth

[@andychap6283]

Really interesting video make me rethink the period

[@jackjones3919]

Another incredible video! Love your content!

[@carltonleboss]

Very interesting video.

[@natalassblaster]

Just started up Empire Total War and this drops?!?!?!?! Nice 😎

[@kaiserkeogh]

Doing the exact same 😂

[@hipponeb]

love your videos but i think there needs to be a timeline of some sort to keep track of everything!

[@rodmaknouni]

Easily one of the great history KZbin channels

[@nwerner3654]

never clicked so fast

[@funghi2606]

As always beautiful

[@miquelnadal9962]

Great content as always. One question @OldBritannia: Which is, in your opinion, the time limit (historical period) of your approach? In other words, when does the geopolitical vision / strategy differ in a fundamental way, that is, when did it became 'modern'? 1500s? Westphalia 1648? Keep on the great work

[@OldBritannia]

Really interesting question. It's generally thought 1648 and Westphalia brings in the modern age of international relations (though generally I tend to focus on the post-1688 period, granted that date is relatively specific to Britain). I do think you can see elements of the modern international system emerging from the 1500's. If one looks at Wolsley's balancing between France and the Habsburgs for example. As I say, generally 1688 is the furthest I will personally go back to, but if I had to set a date I'd probably be a bit boring and say 1648.

[@michaelsilver253]

Peter III dropping in and playing the ol' Uno reverse card feels like one of the biggest goddamn plot holes ever

[@jaredfry]

Another excellent installment for the channel. I am appreciative of the portraits in this episode more than usual to keep the many and even minor parties memorable.

[@ericpayne4912]

I’m visiting Austria in 3 weeks. Thank you for the video!

[@jackbharucha1475]

Do you write these descriptions of historical figures yourself or get them from your sources. As an aspiring writer myself you have a literary gift.

[@OldBritannia]

All of the facts I use are taken from sources, obviously. But generally I’ll then plot them in descriptions myself. Occasionally I’ll more or less take a description verbatim if it’s particularly good. I think the small section on Maria Theresa having a warm heart and resolution is from Kann. But generally I prefer writing them myself. As to a literary gift, haha thank you, unfortunately I tend to think my prose is rather clunky much of the time though.

[@ofersagi5653]

@@OldBritanniaWhat sources did you use for this video? Great Video anyways

[@marquitoclash7657]

Excelent! ❤

[@user-xc9jg1lp3y]

‘It would be better apply to Satan than the Hungarians for help.’ -Maria Theresa: ‘The safety of my son and heir lies with Hungary.’ - Hungary: ‘WE SHALL DIE FOR EMPRESS MARIA THERESA!’

[@LeifTunteri-lm6un]

One of my absolute favorite countries in history. I'm going to love this series

[@marsh2537]

Gave this video it’s thousandth like

[@Gosudar]

Very well done. Maria Theresa is rather fondly remembered here in Czechia for her reforms and as our one and only Queen, even though she lost most of our Silesia (but then again, it was mostly German) and Czechia's autonomy was diminished. A new statue of hers was unveiled in Prague in 2020. Also, Kaunitz, while born in Vienna, is from the old Czech noble family.

[@andreascovano7742]

I enjoyed the Humor. Another banger

[@matm4413]

props for using sciophobia from oversimplified, very nice music ^^

[@johnpijano4786]

Please continue this series on Austria. On the many great european states in the enlightenment era you should focus their entire history on using your style it would he Austria. I cannot wait for you to deal with the Metternich era of Austria since I keep hearing so many things about his post napoleonic system.

[@nicholasdestabelle9884]

>London was under no obligation to pull Vienna's chestnuts out of the fire Now I know you do your research. I don't think I've ever heard that phrase outside of a diplomatic history of 18th/19th century Europe The Habsburg state is perhaps my favourite protagonist of this time period. I'm thrilled to see that you're doing not just a video, but a series on it. I look forwards to the next one! In terms of sources, I'm sure you already have your research done and dusted, but I do have some more to recommend. Judson's The Habsburg Empire for a look at the internal development of Austria in this period, and Kennedy's the Rise and Fall of the Great Powers for an invaluable big-picture view and some useful economic numbers for the period after 1820

[@Gamenetreviews]

How do you make the maps for these videos?

[@jackbharucha1475]

It is difficult to overstate how awful Charles VI was. Perhaps the "Hur due botmeless pit" for a brain meme would have been more apt. He passed over his brother's daughters only to then try and write in female succession for his bloodline. Whenever I think the stupidity of Viserys the 1st in House of the Dragon is unrealistic I remember Charles and think that reality can be just as stupid as fiction.

[@louisarildkarv2787]

you should do a video of Austrias position during and under the revolutionary and napoleonic wars

[@owenovercash9848]

Can you do a video about the Anglo-Spanish rivalry

[@emilianohermosilla3996]

Hell yeah Old Britannia!!

[@Tnpt_studios]

The coronation of Peter III will forever go down in history as one of the biggest WTF moments of all time. Right up there with Franz Ferdinand's assassination. Sometimes, you really can't make such historical events up. The probability of Prussia being saved was so low and yet it happened. It wasn't because of weather, competance or military skill, it was sheer luck 😂

[@pangrowlin3599]

What's the music you used?

[@theconqueringram5295]

The problem with the Habsburgs is that they didn't take good care of their military. Prince Eugene of Savoy's words would prove prophetic.

[@archades115]

I knew Marie Theresa was an unlikely candidate for greatness. But this really paints how gifted she really was. All by being sensible and aware of her own limitations.

[@streamlinedengine]

Babe wake up, Old Britannia just uploaded! (Yeah it’s old, but I’m genuine here)

[@Gorboduc]

Music buffs may know that it was Van Swieten's son Gottfried who was the center of Viennese musical life in the later 18th century, not just personally encouraging Mozart and Haydn, but reviving the music of JS Bach as well. He shows up in the movie Amadeus, the fellow with the curly brown wig, in the court of Maria Theresa's son Joseph II.

[@lammh]

Do you make videos of British diplomacy in India and towards China, or just on Asia-Pacific topics in general?

[@dlugi4198]

I beg you! Do Joseph + Leopold one. Please