Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor

Reign: 1745 – 1765
Life: 1708–1765

He became the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire and Tuscany through his marriage to his second cousin Maria Theresa of Austria, daughter of Emperor Charles VI. Francis was the last non-Habsburg monarch of the Empire. The couple were the founders of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and their marriage produced sixteen children. Maria Theresa gave her husband responsibility for the empire's financial affairs, which he handled well.

During Francis I, 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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Go deeper on Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor

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Heart of Europe: A History of the Holy Roman Empire

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