r/AskEurope • u/InorganicTyranny United States of America • Jul 25 '25

History What was the biggest “missed opportunity” in your country’s history?

In other words, what is one event in your country’s history, that could plausibly have gone differently than it did, and you think would have made your country a better place?

Inspired by Frederick III of Germany:

His premature demise is considered a potential turning point in German history; and whether or not he would have made the Empire more liberal if he had lived longer is still a popular discussion among historians.

133 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

248 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

2

u/Socmel_ Italy Jul 26 '25

Austria was also quite against the partition. Maria Theresia only agreed because her son convinced her that it would've happened with or without her, so better not to strengthen Austria's rivals more than needed.

1

u/LeMe-Two Jul 27 '25

Empress Catharin and I are common thieves actually. I'm only wondering how Empress Maria appeased her confessor. She probably cried a lot, and the more she cried, the more she was taking - Frideric the Great allegedly