Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI was born on October 1, 1685, and ruled from 1711 until his death in 1740. He was a member of the Habsburg dynasty and is best known for his efforts to secure the succession of his daughter, Maria Theresa, through the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713, which aimed to ensure that the Habsburg lands remained united under her rule. Charles VI faced numerous challenges during his reign, including wars and political rivalries. His death in 1740 led to the War of the Austrian Succession, as various European powers contested the legitimacy of Maria Theresa's claim to the throne.