Pragmatic Sanction

The Pragmatic Sanction was a royal decree issued in 1713 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI to ensure that his daughter, Maria Theresa, could inherit the Habsburg throne. At that time, laws favored male heirs, so this sanction was crucial for establishing female succession. It aimed to prevent disputes over succession after his death, particularly in a male-dominated society. Despite this effort, Maria Theresa still faced challenges to her rule, highlighting the complexities of inheritance and governance in European royal history.