Maria Theresa was the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions and the last of the House of Habsburg. She reigned from 1740 to 1780 and was known for her efforts to modernize and reform the administration, economy, and military of her territories. She also implemented educational and social reforms, and her reign is often seen as a period of stability and prosperity for the Habsburg lands. Maria Theresa was a significant figure in European politics and her reign had a lasting impact on the history of Central Europe.