Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor

Reign: 1742 – 1745
Life: 1697–1745

Charles was a member of the House of Wittelsbach, and his reign as Holy Roman Emperor thus marked the end of three centuries of uninterrupted Habsburg imperial rule, although he was related to the Habsburgs by both blood and marriage. He became elector following the death of his father in 1726. After Charles VI died in 1740, Elector Charles claimed the Archduchy of Austria and briefly gained hold of the Bohemian throne. In 1742, he was elected emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

During Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor's reign, Frederick II of Prussia ruled Prussia, Elizabeth I of Russia ruled Russia, and Louis XV of France ruled France.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Heart of Europe: A History of the Holy Roman Empire by Peter H. Wilson

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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