Ferdinand I of Austria

Reign: 1835 – 1848
Life: 1793–1875

Ferdinand succeeded his father Francis I upon his death on 2 March 1835. He was incapable of ruling the empire because of severe epilepsy, so his father, before he died, made a will promulgating that Ferdinand should consult his uncle Archduke Louis on all aspects of internal policy and urged him to be influenced by Prince Metternich, Austria's Foreign Minister. Following the Revolutions of 1848, Ferdinand abdicated on 2 December 1848. He was succeeded by his nephew, Franz Joseph. Ferdinand married Maria Anna of Savoy, the sixth child of Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia.

During Ferdinand I of Austria's reign, Isabella II of Spain ruled Spain, Maria II of Portugal ruled Portugal, and Nicholas I of Russia ruled Russia.

Want to learn more? Further reading

The Decline and Fall of the Habsburg Empire, 1815–1918 by Alan Sked

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

From the library

Go deeper on Ferdinand I of Austria

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

The Decline and Fall of the Habsburg Empire, 1815–1918

Alan Sked

Sked on the 1848 revolutions and Ferdinand's abdication, the dynasty's gravest nineteenth-century crisis.

Find this book on Amazon