The Military Order of Maria Theresa is the most important officer's award in Austria

The Military Order of Maria Theresa (Militär Maria Theresien Orden) was an award given by Austrian monarchs to commend the most worthy and bravest officers. It was bestowed for significant military successes, especially if achieved through personal initiative. This distinction ranked second only to the dynastic Order of the Golden Fleece, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe, but surpassed all other awarded honors. The Military Order of Maria Theresa remained active for over 170 years. Originally, it had two grades, but later a third grade was added.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Breast star

Main characteristics of the Military Order of Maria Theresa:

• Artist: Unknown.
• Country: Austria.
• Date of establishment: June 18, 1757.
• Number of grades: 3.
• Size of the cross: 30 x 32 mm.
• Diameter of the star: 60 to 95 mm.
• Materials of the cross: gold, enamel, and, in special cases, diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.
• Materials of the star: silver, enamel.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Grand cross with ribbon and star

History of the Military Order of Maria Theresa

The Military Order of Maria Theresa could have appeared almost a decade earlier. For example, such a proposal was put forward in 1749, but at that time, the spouse of Empress Maria Theresa, Francis I Stephen, opposed it. He already headed the Order of the Golden Fleece and considered the establishment of another prestigious award unnecessary. Everything changed in the last days of August 1756 with the beginning of the Seven Years' War, which engulfed all of Europe and even extended to other continents. The decision to establish a new distinction was made the following spring, but the ceremonial date of its foundation was postponed until a significant victory. The wait was not long: in June, Austria defeated the Prussian army in the Battle of Kolín. The troops were commanded by Field Marshal Leopold von Daun, who was the first to receive the new award.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Unknown author. Portrait of Leopold von Daun, second half of the 18th century

Originally, the order was intended to be named after a revered saint, which was a common tradition. However, among the officers of Austria, apart from Catholics, there were also Protestants, so the decision became controversial. In the end, the award was named after Maria Theresa (Maria Theresia), the Archduchess of Austria and Empress of the Holy Roman Empire.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Studio of Martin van Meytens. Portrait of Empress Maria Theresa, 18th century

Over time, the award became increasingly popular and was frequently bestowed. This continued until 1918, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed and the Habsburg dynasty fell. The last emperor, Karl I (Karl I. Franz Josef), transferred the rights associated with the order to the Chapter, which continued to exist until 1931. At its fiftieth meeting, it was decided to discontinue further gatherings and new awards of the order. The last knight of the order lived until 1986. He was an aviator who distinguished himself in World War I.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Award ceremony, 1917

Later attempts were made to revive the order, but it was awarded only once at the end of World War II. This happened contrary to the regulations, so traditionally this case is not considered in the history of the award. In total, from 1757 to 1931, 1240 people received it.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Grand Cross badge and ribbon, 19th century

The appearance of the Military Order of Maria Theresa

Recipients were presented with distinctive insignia: a four-armed cross made of enameled gold, a ribbon, and a breast star. In the center of the cross, the red and white Austrian flag is depicted, surrounded by the motto "Fortitudini," which can be translated from Latin as "Bravery" or "For Courage." On the reverse side, two gold ciphers are inscribed: M. T. and F, the initials of the founders of the award, the spouses. The central part is framed by a green wreath. In special cases, the obverse was adorned with diamonds and other precious gemstones. The insignia were worn on the left side of the chest individually or on a moiré ribbon in the colors of the Austrian flag. The size and appearance of the ribbon depended on the grade: Knight, Commander, and Grand Cross.

The star is designed similarly to the cross but made of silver and featuring an enamel wreath of stylized oak leaves. In the early stages, it could be embroidered, but later it became metallic.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Knight's badge, reverse, 18th century

Who was awarded the Military Order of Maria Theresa?

The title of Grand Master of the order belonged to the ruling monarch, and proposals for new awards were submitted by the Chapter. This regularly assembled council consisted of senior officers, including those who had already received the honorary cross. The main criteria for awarding the honor were military exploits and the display of initiative in battle. Sometimes, wounds or many years of service were also reasons for bestowing the honor. The distinction was awarded only to officers, with no restrictions based on nobility, military rank, or religion.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Unknown artist. Franz Joseph I with the belt and star of the Grand Cross, 1910

From the beginning, the statutes included a rule prohibiting the awarding of foreigners, but it was not followed. Among the recipients, for example, were Russian monarchs and military leaders who were Austria's allies. Here are a few examples:

• Emperor Alexander I.
• Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov.
• Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov.
• Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration.
• Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly.
• Dmitry Vladimirovich Golitsyn.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Knight's Cross with a folded triangular ribbon

Knights of the Order, regardless of their background, could claim hereditary baronial titles, and all recipients received a pension. In the event of death, half of the appointed amount was transferred to the widow. These funds continued to be paid by the authorities even after the empire's dissolution. An officer deprived of the title by a court decision lost all privileges.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Coat of arms of Count Cadogan with a cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresa

The Military Order of Maria Theresa is currently the main symbol of the Austrian Military Academy, considered the oldest in the world. An extensive collection of insignia can be seen at the Vienna Military History Museum and the Tallinn Museum of Chivalric Orders. As the award was widespread, golden crosses and breast stars are often encountered at auctions and antique exhibitions. Copies made of gilded silver or bronze, which recipients ordered for everyday wear, are even more common.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa. Star of the Order decorated with diamonds and jewels, 1765