THE PRAGMATIC SANCTION
APRIL 19, 1713

Holy Roman emperor Charles VI composed the Sanction in order for his heirs to inherit the complete number of lands he owned. He didn't want his possessions get split up.

The document decreed that first in line to inherit Charles's things was his eldest son, if available. Next in line would be his eldest daughter, if available. If no children would exist, the children of Charles's late brother Joseph would be considered next.

Charles did have a son, but he died soon after his birth. The next child was a daughter, Maria Theresa.

Charles VI died in 1740 and, naturally, the Sanction was questioned. It was challenged by Charles Albert of Bavaria and Frederick the Great of Prussia, which resulted in the War of the Austrian Succession.