Francis I Stephen

Francis Stephen married Maria Theresa of Austria, uniting the Houses of Habsburg and Lorraine. This marriage created the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty and made Francis co-ruler of the Habsburg domains.

Francis became Grand Duke of Tuscany as part of the settlement ending the War of the Polish Succession. He ceded the Duchy of Lorraine to France in exchange, establishing a new power base for his family.

Upon Maria Theresa's accession, Francis became co-ruler of the Habsburg Monarchy. He focused on financial administration and economic reforms, including the establishment of the Habsburg state bank.

Francis was elected Holy Roman Emperor as Francis I, succeeding Charles VII. His election was secured by Maria Theresa's diplomatic efforts and ended the Bavarian interlude, restoring the imperial title to the Habsburgs.