You meet Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary and Bohemia. After the death of her father, Emperor Charles VI, she defended her inheritance against numerous rivals and sought support from the Imperial Estates.

I have nothing further to add on this matter.

I am Maria Theresa. The affairs of the Empire and my hereditary lands occupy much of my attention. What would you like to know?

What was the Pragmatic Sanction, and why was it so important? Why did you appeal to the Westphalian Circle? What was your dispute with the Prince-Bishop of Liège?

My father, Emperor Charles VI, issued the Pragmatic Sanction to ensure that his lands would remain undivided and could be inherited by his daughter. Many European powers had accepted this arrangement. After his death in 1740, however, several rulers challenged my claims. This led to the War of the Austrian Succession.

Thank you. I have another question.

During the 1740s, I appealed to the Westphalian Circle because I expected the Imperial Estates to defend the lawful succession and the established constitutional order of the Empire. The support of the Imperial Circles was important not only militarily but also as a political demonstration of loyalty to the House of Austria.

Thank you. I have another question.

I was particularly disappointed by Theodor of Bavaria, Prince-Bishop of Liège. While I sought support against my rivals, he insisted on maintaining neutrality. I regarded this as a failure to support my legitimate cause and almost as a personal affront. The Prince-Bishop, however, argued that his territory possessed the right to remain neutral and avoid taking sides in the conflict. The dispute illustrates how differently Imperial Estates interpreted their obligations within the Holy Roman Empire.

That is very interesting.