Emperor Charles VI and the Pragmatic Sanction

Perhaps the most famous document from Charles’ reign is the Pragmatic Sanction published on April 19, 1713. This decree not only enables female members of the Babenberg family to succeed to the throne but is the foundation of the Hapsburg monarchy. For the first time the regions express in writing their willingness to form a common state.

The usual misconception is that Charles VI does this to benefit his oldest daughter Maria Theresa, but she won’t be born until 1717, after the document is published.