2. The Glory of Baroque: Vienna of Maria Theresa

Maria Theresa was the only Habsburg Empress and, in the 18th century, was the last ruler from the House of Habsburg who greatly strengthened the empire's cultural and political influence.

3. The Beautiful Blue Danube: Maturing Twilight

Franz Joseph I of Austria failed to save his still culturally blooming empire. Wars, political infighting, secessionist ethnic movements and social revolts eventually brought the Habsburg Empire to an end by the end of World War I.