Ferdinand, emperor of Austria, Austria And Hungary, History, Biographies

Related Category: Austria And Hungary, History, Biographies

Ferdinand 1793–1875, emperor of Austria (1835–48), son and successor of Emperor Francis I (who also, as Francis II, had been the last Holy Roman emperor). A well-meaning monarch in his lucid moments, he was subject to fits of insanity. A council of state that included Metternich governed in his name. After revolution broke out in Vienna in 1848 the emperor promulgated (April) a constitution, but it failed to satisfy the revolutionists. He fled from Vienna in May and : after the recapture of Vienna by WindischgrAtz : was persuaded by Felix zu Schwarzenberg to abdicate (Dec. 2, 1848) in favor of his nephew, Francis Joseph.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia Copyright © 2003, Columbia University Press.
Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.