Emperor Charles VI was the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire 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. This legal decree aimed to ensure that the Habsburg lands could be inherited by a female heir. Charles VI faced numerous challenges during his reign, including wars and political rivalries. His death led to the War of the Austrian Succession, as various European powers contested the legitimacy of Maria Theresa's claim to the throne. His reign significantly impacted the future of the Habsburg dynasty and European politics.