Question

What was "Pragmatic Sanction"?

Answer 1

The Pragmatic Sanction was a legal document or decree that aimed to secure and ensure the inheritance rights of Maria Theresa, the daughter of Emperor Charles VI of Austria. It was issued in 1713 and later reaffirmed in 1720.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Context: The Pragmatic Sanction was a response to the lack of a male heir in the Habsburg dynasty, which raised concerns about the succession of the Austrian lands. Emperor Charles VI wanted to prevent the fragmentation of his lands and maintain the integrity of the Habsburg territories.

2. Content: The Pragmatic Sanction declared that the Austrian lands, including the hereditary lands of the Habsburgs, would be passed down to Charles VI's eldest daughter, Maria Theresa, in the event of his death. It outlined the rights, privileges, and inheritance laws that would ensure her succession.

3. International Recognition: To ensure the acceptance of the Pragmatic Sanction, Charles VI sought diplomatic support from various European powers. Through negotiations and agreements, he secured the recognition and guarantee of other European rulers for the document.

4. Challenges and Success: Despite the Pragmatic Sanction, Maria Theresa faced opposition and challenges to her inheritance rights after her father's death in 1740. Several European powers, including Prussia and Bavaria, contested her claim and sought to seize parts of the Habsburg territories. However, Maria Theresa's determination, skillful diplomacy, and military campaigns enabled her to successfully defend and maintain her position as the ruler of the Austrian lands.

5. Legacy: The Pragmatic Sanction had significant long-term consequences. It became a foundation for later legal and political developments within the Habsburg monarchy. Maria Theresa's reign and her efforts to modernize and centralize the administration of her territories greatly influenced the future direction and stability of the Austrian Empire.

In summary, the Pragmatic Sanction was a legal document that guaranteed the inheritance rights of Maria Theresa and aimed to prevent the fragmentation of the Habsburg lands. It played a crucial role in securing her position as the ruler of the Austrian territories and had lasting effects on the political and legal development of the Habsburg monarchy

Answer 2

The Pragmatic Sanction was an edict by Emperor Charles VI allowing his daughter, Maria Theresa, to inherit the Habsburg possessions, which significantly impacted European history. It aligns with the pragmatic approach in policy decisions, which is also observed in the use of international sanctions to influence nation-state behaviors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Pragmatic Sanction was a historic edict issued by Emperor Charles VI in 1713 to ensure that the hereditary possessions of the Habsburgs could be inherited by a daughter. This sanction was a critical element in European history as it allowed Maria Theresa to succeed her father, leading to the War of the Austrian Succession. The concept of pragmatism in this context reflects the idea that decisions and policies should be based on practical considerations, rather than on ideological or theoretical considerations.

Pragmatism also plays a role in international relations, where sanctions are employed by countries to influence the behavior of other nations. For instance, the United States used sanctions against Cuba and Iran to promote changes in those nations' policies. However, the effectiveness of such measures can vary and is often dependent on the cooperative efforts of the international community.