Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma

Role / Field:

Empress of the French and Duchess of Parma, famed for her marriage to Napoleon.

Born:

1791-12-12

Died:

1847-12-17

Century / Era:

1791s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Marie Louise (Maria Ludovica Leopoldina Franziska Theresia Josepha Lucia; 12 December 1791 – 17 December 1847) was Duchess of Parma from 11 April 1814 until her death in 1847. She was Napoleon's second wife and as such Empress of the French and Queen of Italy from their marriage on 2 April 1810 until his abdication on 6 April 1814. As the eldest child of Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor and Emperor of Austria, and his second wife, Maria Theresa of Naples and Sicily, Marie Louise grew up during a period marked by ongoing and unceasing conflict between Austria and revolutionary France. A series of military defeats at the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte had inflicted a heavy human toll on Austria and led Francis to dissolve the Holy Roman Empire.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The end of the War of the Fifth Coalition resulted in the marriage of Napoleon and Marie Louise in 1810, which ushered in a brief period of peace and friendship between Austria and the French Empire, much like prior alliances between the Austrian and French Royal family. Marie Louise agreed to the marriage despite being raised to despise France. She bore Napoleon a son, styled the King of Rome at birth, who briefly succeeded him as Napoleon II. Marie...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alexander Graham Bell — Contemporary (Born in 1847) (1847): Pioneering inventor credited with patenting the first practical telephone.
• Alexandre Brongniart — Contemporary (Died in 1847) (1847): Pioneering French scientist in chemistry, geology, and mineralogy.
• Annie Besant — Contemporary (Born in 1847) (1847): Activist, writer, and Theosophist championing social reform and self-rule.
• Albrecht von Haller — Shared historical date (12-12 · Died) (1777): Swiss polymath, father of modern physiology, renowned anatomist and naturalist.
• Alexander I of Russia — Shared historical date (12-12 · Born) (1777): Emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic era, known for liberal reforms and military campaigns.
• 13th Dalai Lama — Shared historical date (12-17 · Died) (1933): Spiritual leader of Tibet who championed national independence and modernization.
• Amado Carrillo Fuentes — Shared historical date (12-17 · Born) (1956): Notorious Mexican drug lord, known as "The Lord of the Skies" for his jet fleet.
• 1791 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1791
• December 12 (12-12) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 12
• 1847 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1847
• December 17 (12-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 17

Frequently Asked Questions about Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma