Charles VI, the last Habsburg Emperor, dies and is succeeded by his daughter Maria Theresa, Queen of Bohemia and Hungary and Archduchess of Austria. However, the succession is not straightforward, as it is disputed by no less than three claimants. The first of these is Charles Albert, Elector of Bavaria, husband of Joseph I's daughter and claimant by will of Ferdinand I. The second is Frederick Augustus II of Saxony, through his wife, the eldest daughter of Joseph I. The third is Philip V of Spain, as heir of the Spanish Hapsburgs, who is particularly interested in the Italian provinces. England and Holland support Maria Theresa while Russia remains neutral, and in France a party led by Belleisle is eager for war.
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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Last Habsburg Emperor Charles VI dies, succeeded by Maria Theresa". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 April 2011 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=17434, accessed 09 June 2026.]
