FERDINAND I., emperor of Austria (1835-48), eldest son of Francis I. by his second marriage with Maria Theresa of the house of Naples, was b. at Vienna, 19th April, 1793. He was from the first of a weak constitution, and was unfortunate in those to whom his education was intrusted. Yet he showed on all occasions a goodness of heart, which was fostered by the example of his uncle, the archduke Charles, to whom he was much attached. While crown-prince, he traveled through his Italian provinces, Switz erland, and part of France, and took great interest in manufacturing industry. In 1835, he succeeded his father on the throne. It was expected from his character that he would inaugurate a more liberal policy than his predecessors had pursued, but the absolutist principles that seem destined to rule forever the Austrian cabinet, triumphed, and Metternich was allowed to carry on the government. It now became obvious that F. sadly lacked moral decision, and his " goodness" exhausted itself iu numerous acts of clemency and benevolence. Nevertheless, during his reign, the industry of Austria made a great advance, and the great net-work of railroads and highways was begun.
The insurrection in Galicia, 1846, led to the annexation of Cracow to Austria. No country was more affected by the European movement that began in the winter of 1847-48 than Austria, though the revolutionary storms that shook the empire cannot be attributed to any want of good-will to his people on the part of F., but only to a com plete want of political wisdom. On the disturbances breaking out in Mar., he consented to the dismissal of Metternich, the appointment of a responsible ministry, and granted the outlines of a constitution. In May, he retired with his court to Innspruck, but was induced to return to the capital in Aug. At last, the Oct. insurrection in Vienna made him again leave the palace of SchOnbrunn, and retire to Olmiltz, where, on 2d Dec., 1848, he abdicated in favor of his nephew, Franz Joseph. He afterwards resided at Prague, where he died, June 29, 1875. He married, 27th Feb., 1831, Caroline, daughter of Victor Emmanuel I., king of Sardinia, but had no children.