the Tip of the Habsburg
The Cabinet of Maria Theresa, 1740
Through a series of alliances, strategic marriages, and, perhaps, sheer luck…
“…the Habsburg family came to prominence as the heads of the Holy Roman Empire.”
The House of Habsburg was one of the most prominent and powerful families within European history. Through a series of alliances, strategic marriages, and, perhaps, sheer luck, the Habsburg family came to prominence as the heads of the Holy Roman Empire, with Charles V being the first emperor of his line. Even after the Peace of Westphalia, the Habsburg family maintained strong control over the remaining Holy Roman Empire comprising Austria, Bohemia, and Hungary.
However, a crisis arose when the only son of Emperor Charles VI passed away, leaving the throne without a viable heir. This led to Charles creating the Pragmatic Sanction, a royal act that would recognize female succession to the Habsburg domain and which paved the way for Maria Theresa, his eldest daughter. While surrounding powers seemingly accepted the Sanction after tense negotiations with Charles VI, they were scheming to act in contradiction of their promises upon the Emperor’s death.
Thus, after the death of Maria Theresa’s father in October 1740, the War of Austrian Succession immediately began as foreign powers near and far contested Maria Theresa’s right to the throne. Maria Theresa fought for her new husband, Francis Stephen, to ascend the throne and be elected as the new Holy Roman Emperor. However, French, Prussian, British, and Spanish influences created continuous hurdles, preventing Francis from gaining the necessary support to become Holy Roman Emperor. Specifically, the aggressive actions of Prussia and Frederick the Great led to a variety of conflicts that distracted Maria Theresa’s efforts. In the meantime, the economy of Austria continued to decline, and social unrest persisted. This committee will take place at the end of 1740, starting with the death of Emperor Charles VI, the election for the new Holy Roman Emperor, and the invasion of Silesia. From there, the committee will navigate the 8-year-long duration of the Succession War, working through both domestic and foreign crises along the way.
Welcome to The Holy Roman Empire
The House of Habsburg was one of the most prominent and powerful families within European history.
What will you do?
Meet the Team
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Sophia Turner
CHAIR
Sophia Turner is in the Walsh School of Foreign Service Class of 2029, majoring in International Politics with a minor in Justice & Peace Studies. Sophia is proud to call the small state of Rhode Island home. Her Model UN journey began in her junior year at Portsmouth High School. Sophia became a co-captain of her high school Model UN team and was the crisis director of PMUN I. Since coming to Georgetown, she has continued competing as a member of GUMUN in a variety of committees. Sophia also staffed NCSC LIII as a CA and NAIMUN LXIII, Georgetown’s premier high school conference, as a Crisis Manager. She is also the USG of Non-Traditional crisis for NAIMUN LXIV. Though Sophia is kept very busy with MUN, she also serves on the SFS Academic Council and works in the Dean’s office. Around campus, you can find Sophia “studying” on Lau 2, grabbing coffee from Whisk, or listening to a carefully curated playlist. Sophia is very excited to serve alongside Madeline to see Maria Theresa come to life!
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Madeline Hunt
CRISIS MANAGER
Madeline Hunt is a proud member of the Georgetown School of Foreign Service’s Class of 2029, where she is pursuing a major in International Politics with a concentration in Security Studies. Born and raised in Herndon, Virginia, Madeline has been a DMV local her entire life! She started Model UN as a freshman in high school, where she fell in love with international relations. At Georgetown, she has had the pleasure of staffing GIRC/GIRA conferences, including NCSC, NAIMUN, and DistrictMun! Outside of MUN, Madeline is an avid DC sports fan (let’s go CAPS!) and never passes up the opportunity to go to a hockey or baseball game! She is also a member of the SFS Academic Council Community Engagement Committee and an Events Chair for the Georgetown Program Board, which plans high quality events for students on campus! When she isn’t on campus, you might find her playing at a local golf course or trying a new recipe from the Great British Bake Off. She is so excited to be your Crisis Manager for NCSC LIII, and work with Sophia to ensure that your NCSC experience is as fulfilling and fun as possible!
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ASSOCIATED STAFF
OTHER MEMBERS
Director: Abby Grizzle
CAs/RAPs: Abena Tweneboah-Koduah
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Sven Stumbauer
UNDER SECRETARY-GENERAL
Sven Stumbauer is a member of the class of 2029 in Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. He is honored and grateful to be your USG of Cabinets this year and can’t wait to see you in what’s sure to be the best NCSC yet.
