Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1670
Leopold I drives the Jews out of Unterer Werd in Vienna and the quarter is renamed Leopoldstadt,
the name it bears today.
1683
Turkish siege of Vienna. Christian Europe is mobilised and the threat persists until 1718, after
which the Ottoman Empire gradually wanes.
1740-48
Maria Theresia inherits Habsburg possessions, Prussia seizes Silesia (in Poland today) and the
Austrian War of Succession starts a power struggle between Prussia and Habsburg-controlled
Austria-Hungary.
1751
Tiergarten Schönbrunn is established in Vienna, making it the world's oldest zoological garden.
1752
Maria Theresia introduces the short-lived Commission Against Immoral Conduct, which pillages
homes and attempts to snatch men entertaining loose women.
1764
Reformer Kaiser Joseph II (1741-90) takes the throne and the Age of Enlightenment that began un-
der Maria Theresia is in full swing. The power of the church is curbed.
1789-99
French Revolution takes place, bringing a new age of republicanism to Europe and challenging
feudalistic establishments such as the Holy Roman Empire.
1793
Following a marriage to French king Louis XVI (1754-93), Maria Theresia's 15th child, Marie An-
toinette - who the French call 'L'Autrichienne' (the Austrian) - is beheaded during the French Re-
volution.
1804-05
Napoleon (1769-1821) occupies Vienna in 1805. The Holy Roman Empire is abolished; Franz II rein-
vents himself as Austrian Kaiser Franz I. In 1809 the Frenchman returns to retake Vienna.
