Charles VI vs Naser al-Din Shah

Charles VI issued the Pragmatic Sanction, a legal instrument to ensure that the Habsburg hereditary lands could be inherited by a female heir (his daughter Maria Theresa) in the absence of a male son. He spent decades securing recognition from European powers, but it failed to prevent the War of the Austrian Succession.

Charles VI's forces, after a disastrous war with the Ottoman Empire, signed the Treaty of Belgrade. The treaty ceded Belgrade and northern Serbia to the Ottomans, reversing the gains of the Treaty of Passarowitz and weakening Habsburg influence in the Balkans.

Charles VI's death in 1740 triggered the War of the Austrian Succession, as Prussia, France, and Bavaria challenged Maria Theresa's inheritance. The war, lasting until 1748, resulted in the loss of Silesia to Prussia but confirmed Maria Theresa's rule in most Habsburg lands.

Naser al-Din Shah ordered the suppression of the Babi movement after an assassination attempt on his life. Thousands of Babis were executed, and the movement was driven underground. This persecution strengthened the Babi community's resolve and later contributed to the emergence of the Baha'i faith.

Naser al-Din Shah signed the Treaty of Paris with Britain, ending the Anglo-Persian War (1856-1857). Persia renounced its claim to Herat and recognized Afghan independence, marking the end of Persian influence in Afghanistan and a significant diplomatic defeat.

Naser al-Din Shah granted a comprehensive concession to Baron Julius de Reuter, giving him control over Persian railways, mines, banks, and other economic assets for 70 years. Widespread opposition forced its cancellation within a year, but it set a precedent for foreign economic influence in Persia.

Naser al-Din Shah became the first Persian monarch to visit Europe, traveling to Russia, Germany, Belgium, France, and England. His travels exposed him to Western technology and governance, and he wrote detailed travelogues that influenced Persian modernization efforts.

Naser al-Din Shah was assassinated by Mirza Reza Kermani, a follower of Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, while visiting the Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine. His death ended the longest reign of any Qajar monarch (48 years) and marked a turning point in Persian politics, leading to increased constitutionalist agitation.