Pedro José Pidal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Most Excellent Pedro José Pidal 1st Marquis of Pidal
Official portrait by Dióscoro Puebla (1877). Congress of Deputies.
99th President of the Congress of Deputies
In office 27 November 1843 – 4 July 1844
Preceded by	Salustiano de Olózaga y Almandoz
Succeeded by	Francisco Castro y Orozco [es]
Ministry of Governance
In office 3 May 1844 – 12 February 1846
Preceded by	José Justiniani Ramírez de Arellano [es]
Succeeded by	Francisco Javier de Istúriz
In office 5 April 1846 – 28 January 1847
Preceded by	Javier de Burgos
Succeeded by	Manuel Seijas Lozano [es]
Minister of State
In office 29 July 1848 – 19 October 1849
Preceded by	Carlos Martínez de Irujo
Succeeded by	Salvador Cea Bermúdez [es]
In office 20 October 1849 – 14 January 1851
Preceded by	Salvador Cea Bermúdez [es]
Succeeded by	Manuel Bertrán de Lis y Ribes
In office 12 October 1856 – 15 October 1857
Preceded by	Nicomedes Pastor Díaz y Corbelle
Succeeded by	Leopoldo Augusto de Cueto
Seat g of the Real Academia Española
In office 25 February 1847 – 28 December 1865
Preceded by	Seat established
Succeeded by	Antonio Aparisi Guijarro
Personal details
Born	Pedro José Pidal y Carniado (1799-11-25)25 November 1799 Villaviciosa, Spain
Died	28 December 1865(1865-12-28) (aged 66) Madrid, Spain

Pedro José Pidal y Carniado, 1st Marquis of Pidal (born November 25, 1799 – died December 28, 1865) was an important Spanish figure. He was a lawyer, writer, and politician. He held many key roles during the time of Isabella II of Spain. These roles included being a mayor (alcalde), a member of parliament (deputy), and a senator. He also served as the head of the Ministry of Governance and the Minister of State. He was even the speaker of the Congress of Deputies.

Pedro Pidal's Early Life and Career

Pedro José Pidal y Carniado was born in a town called Villaviciosa, Asturias. After finishing his studies in law, he moved to Madrid in 1822. There, he began working at a well-known law firm. He also wrote for a newspaper called El Espectador. This newspaper was started by his friend, Evaristo San Miguel.

Before focusing fully on politics, Pidal taught history for a short time. Around 1841, he held a special teaching position. He taught about the history of government and laws in Spain at the Ateneo de Madrid. He later became a member of the Real Academia Española in 1844. This is a very important group that looks after the Spanish language. In 1847, he joined the Real Academia de la Historia, which focuses on history. He became the director of this history group in 1852.

The Pidal Plan: Changing Education

As Minister of the Interior, Pedro Pidal made many changes. One of his most important reforms was called the Pidal Plan (1845). This plan was a big step in changing Spain's education system. It helped lead to the Ley Moyano in 1857, which was the main education law until 1970.

The Pidal Plan was actually created by his friend, Antonio Gil y Zárate. It said that the government should create special schools called institutos. These schools were to be set up in every main city of a province. The plan also changed what students learned. For example, Spanish literature became a subject in high school. Geography and Spanish history were added for both high school and university students.

The plan also created the first teaching position for International Law. This job was first held by Lorenzo Arrazola y García. He had been a Minister of Justice. He later became the Prime Minister of Spain and the head of the Supreme Court.

Pedro Pidal's Family Legacy

Pedro Pidal's family also became involved in politics and academics. His son, Alejandro Pidal y Mon (1846–1913), followed in his footsteps. Alejandro also became a member of parliament and the speaker of the Congress. He also became a director of the Real Academia Española.

Pedro Pidal's grandson, Pedro Pidal Bernaldo de Quirós (1870–1941), continued the family tradition. He too entered politics, serving as both a deputy and a senator.

See also

In Spanish: Pedro José Pidal para niños