On this day, 328 years ago, on August 6, 1697 (June 20, 1697, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII was born. Charles VII (formerly known as Karl Albrecht, August 6, 1697-January 20, 1745) was Elector of Bavaria of the Wittelsbach Dynasty (1726 - 1745) and Holy Roman Emperor (1742 - 1745). He was one of only two emperors of the Wittelsbach family (the other was Louis IV). Carl Albrecht was the son of Maximilian II, Elector of Bavaria, and was born in Brussels. During the War of the Spanish Succession, the Wittelsbach family was divided into two factions. Carl Albrecht's father belonged to the faction that supported Spain and France, and his family was captured by Austria during the war. Carl Albrecht was taken to Vienna, where he was educated by Jesuits. In 1715, the Wittelsbach family was restored as both branches surrendered to the Habsburg royal family of Austria. In 1717, Carl Albrecht participated in Emperor Charles VI's war against the Ottoman Empire, commanding a Bavarian army in battle. In 1726, he inherited his father's elective title. Although Carl Albrecht signed Charles VI's edict to ensure the succession of his daughter Maria Theresa to Austria, he was one of the princes who immediately denied Maria Theresa's inheritance after Charles VI's death. Maria Theresa ascended the Austrian throne amid opposition from the princes, which triggered the War of Austrian Succession in which European powers including Spain, France, and Poland intervened. Carl Albrecht was recognized as King of Bohemia in 1741 (a title usually held by the First Archduke of Austria and the Holy Roman Emperor). In 1742, the German princes unanimously elected him as Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII. Charles VII lacked the real strength to compete for Habsburg territory. He had neither a large army nor money; It seems that he was the flag used by the princes against Maria Theresa. Even as the coronation of Charles VII was taking place, Maria Theresa's army was attacking his hereditary territory of Bavaria. For a time Charles VII was almost hopeless, but was assisted by King Frederick II of Prussia, who was Maria Theresa's fiercest enemy. Soon after, his title of King of Bohemia was deposed by the Bohemian Parliament. In 1745, the embattled Charles VII died. His son Maximilian III was forced to abandon his claim to the Holy Roman Empire. The title of emperor was cleverly handed to her husband Franz I by Maria Theresa. Comments: It is difficult to be a good king who will be famous for all ages.