Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor

Emperor Charles VII Albert was a member of the Wittelsbach family, was Holy Roman Emperor from January 24, 1742 until his death at Munich in 1745.

He was the son of Maximilian II Emanuel, elector of Bavaria. His family was split during the War of the Spanish Succession and was for many years under house arrest in Austria. Only in 1715 did the family become re-united. His brother Klemens August of Bavaria, later archbishop and elector (Kurfürst) of Cologne, who mostly sided with the Austria Habsburg-Lorraine side during the Habsburg successions, did cast his vote for him and personally crowned him emperor at Frankfurt. After Charles Albert's short reign Klemens August again leaned toward Austria.

Preceded by: Charles VI

King of Germany Also Holy Roman Emperor-Elect

Succeeded by: Francis I

Preceded by: Maximilian II Emanuel, elector of Bavaria

Rulers of Bavaria

Succeeded by: Maximilian III Joseph, elector of Bavaria