1764 imperial election explained

The imperial election of 1764 was an imperial election held to select the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. It took place in Frankfurt on 27 March.

Background

Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor called for the election of his successor. The prince-electors called to Frankfurt were:

• Emmerich Joseph von Breidbach zu Bürresheim, elector of Mainz
• Johann IX Philipp von Walderdorff, elector of Trier
• Maximilian Friedrich von Königsegg-Rothenfels, elector of Cologne
• Maria Theresa, queen regnant of Bohemia
• Maximilian III Joseph, elector of Bavaria
• Frederick Augustus III, elector of Saxony
• Frederick II, elector of Brandenburg
• Charles Theodore, elector of the Electoral Palatinate
• George III, elector of Hanover

Elected

Archduke Joseph, the eldest son of Francis and Maria Theresa, was elected as king of the Romans.

Aftermath

Joseph came to the throne on the death of his father on 18 August 1765.