Pragmatic Sanction of 1830 facts for kids

The Pragmatic Sanction of 1830 was an important law in Spain. King Ferdinand VII of Spain announced it on March 29, 1830. This law changed the rules for who could become the next ruler of Spain.

It brought back an older system where both sons and daughters could inherit the throne. This was different from a newer rule called Salic Law, which only allowed sons to become king.

What Was the Pragmatic Sanction of 1830?

The Pragmatic Sanction of 1830 was a special royal order. It confirmed a decision made earlier in 1789 by King Charles IV of Spain. This decision changed the rules about who could inherit the Spanish throne.

Before this, a rule called "Salic Law" was in place. This law meant that only male heirs could become king. It was brought to Spain by Philip V of Spain, who was from the French Bourbon family.

Why Was the Law Changed?

King Ferdinand VII had only two daughters, Isabella and Luisa Fernanda. He had no sons. Under the Salic Law, his brother, Infante Carlos, Count of Molina, would have become king after Ferdinand died.

Ferdinand wanted his oldest daughter, Isabella, to become queen. This was the old custom in Spain before the Bourbon family introduced the Salic Law. So, he brought back the Pragmatic Sanction of 1830. This made sure Isabella could inherit the throne.

The Impact of the New Law

The Pragmatic Sanction meant that Ferdinand's brother, Carlos, was no longer next in line to the throne. This made Carlos and his supporters very upset. They tried to pressure King Ferdinand VII to cancel the new law.

However, King Ferdinand VII became very ill. He died on September 29, 1833. After his death, his daughter Isabella was officially named Queen.

Since Isabella was still a child, her mother, Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies, became the ruler in her place. This period was known as a regency.

See also

In Spanish: Pragmática Sanción de 1830 para niños