WI Maria Theresa of Austria had died in 1741?

WI the Empress Maria Theresa had died in 1741, while giving birth to Joseph II? Assuming that baby Joseph also dies, what would have happened? She had a 03-years-old daughter, but would she be made empress under a regency or Maria Theresa's sister, Maria Anna, would receive the crown? Also, IOTL Maria Anna died around in 1744 giving birth to her first child. Assuming that it still happens ITTL (to die after her first pregnancy) what could happen to Austria and the HRE?
 

yourworstnightmare

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The HRE never had female empresses, which was Maria Theresa's problem. She was technically just a consort for her husband Francis I of Lorraine, who was emperor. I also have difficulties to see the other Great Powers accept a new Pragmatic Sanction. I'd say there would be big problems for the Habsburg Realm.
 
The HRE never had female empresses, which was Maria Theresa's problem. She was technically just a consort for her husband Francis I of Lorraine, who was emperor. I also have difficulties to see the other Great Powers accept a new Pragmatic Sanction. I'd say there would be big problems for the Habsburg Realm.

How would her death affect the War of Austrian Succession? Would the Elector of Bavaria gain the Austrian lands?
 

yourworstnightmare

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Donor
How would her death affect the War of Austrian Succession? Would the Elector of Bavaria gain the Austrian lands?


I am not sure, I guess there would be some confusion over who's in charge. Perhaps her husband Francis I could have consolidated his power, in 1741 the Prussian invasion of Silesia had alreafy begun. I think Austria would suddnely be without allies. I guess some kind of arrangement would be reached at some point. In 1741 Francis was not yet emperor, and without Maria Theresa I doubt he would ever become it. I suspect this would truly be the end of the Habsburgs. The Bavarians would be able to hold on to the crown of the HRE at least for some generations. Neither would Francis nor his daughter Maria Anna be without a crown (they at least had the crown of Lorraine), also Maria Theresa's sister, another Maria Anna is interresting. Maria Anna (the sister) was acctually married to Francis brother Charles Alexander of Lorraine. However even if the Lorraine- Habsburg family woul be able to hold on to some thrones, they would lose a lot. I also suspect that the Habsburg name would disappear and they would just be the Lorraine family.
 
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