Anton Kaunitz Austrian State Chancellor, chief leader of Austrian policy under Maria Theresa Date of Birth: 02.02.1711 Country: Austria

Biography of Anton Kaunitz

Anton Kaunitz was an Austrian statesman and the chief leader of Austrian politics during the reign of Maria Theresa. He was born in 1711 as Wenceslaus Anton Dominic Kaunitz-Rietberg. Initially, he was intended for a career in the clergy but chose to study law instead. After extensive travels across Europe, Kaunitz joined the Austrian diplomatic service in 1740. He was appointed as the minister to the court of Sardinia in Turin, where he learned the art of diplomacy from King Charles Emmanuel III.

Kaunitz's exceptional abilities soon caught the attention of Austrian Princess Maria Theresa. He was sent as the chief minister to the court of the governor-general of the Netherlands, Duke Charles of Lorraine, and his sister, Maria Anna. Kaunitz played a significant role in the Aachen Peace Congress of 1748, where he demonstrated his diplomatic skills. Despite losing some territories, Austria was successful in preserving its main hereditary possessions.

In 1753, Kaunitz became the state chancellor, and in 1756, he successfully formed an alliance with France and a wide coalition against Frederick the Great of Prussia. His main goal was to suppress the growing military power of Prussia with the support of France and Russia. Kaunitz's role in the diplomatic revolution and the changing alliances of the time was highly regarded, with some scholars considering him the architect behind these transformations.

During his tenure, Kaunitz focused on returning Silesia, which had been captured by Frederick II of Prussia, to Austria and establishing Austrian hegemony in the German territories. He also worked towards strengthening Austria's alliance with Britain and the Netherlands against France. However, London's focus shifted towards the fight against France outside of Europe, while the Viennese court prioritized the struggle against Prussia in the German lands.

Kaunitz implemented financial and tax reforms, including the introduction of a general income tax that abolished the privileges of the nobility and clergy. He also introduced a tax on inheritance and a poll tax based on property size. Additionally, he introduced the Austrian gold thaler, which became the most widely used currency in Germany for many years.

The Seven Years' War, however, did not bring the triumph Austrian diplomacy had hoped for, as changes in Russia's leadership led to a shift in alliances. With the ascension of Peter III, who supported Frederick II against Maria Theresa, the balance of power changed. As a result, Austria signed the Treaty of Hubertusburg in 1763 with Prussia, maintaining the status quo. In 1765, Maria Theresa's son Joseph II became co-ruler, and Kaunitz's influence grew further.

In 1772, Kaunitz played a crucial role in the partition of Poland, which resulted in Austria gaining extensive territories in southern Poland. Despite some tensions, Austria's relations with Russia improved in the mid-1770s. Kaunitz and Joseph II proposed an Austro-Russian alliance, which was eventually concluded in 1780 after Joseph became the Austrian emperor.

Throughout his career, Kaunitz faced challenges, including clashes with Maria Theresa and threats of resignation. However, he skillfully maintained a delicate balance between the Emperor and the Empress, supporting Joseph's reforms while respecting his mother's authority. Despite the complexities, Kaunitz's diplomatic achievements and contributions to Austrian foreign policy were significant.

Anton Kaunitz-Rietberg passed away in 1794, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prominent diplomats of the 18th century.