Ferdinand VI

Ferdinand VI (Spanish: Fernando; 23 September 1713 – 10 August 1759), called the Learned (el Prudente) and the Just (el Justo), was King of Spain from 9 July 1746 until his death in 1759. He was the third ruler of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty. He was the son of King Philip V and Queen Maria Luisa.

Ferdinand succeeded his father upon the latter's death in 1746. In 1749, he authorized a general imprisonment of the Roma (Gypsy), resulting in the imprisonment of 9,000. Otherwise, his reign proved peaceful as he successfully avoided involving Spain in any European conflicts. Moderate changes to Spain were initiated under the king, including reforms of taxation, advance commerce, and the Spanish navy, as well as a ban on freemasonry. However, the last years of Ferdinand's reign were marked by mental instability, much like his direct predecessor Philip V. Upon his death, Ferdinand was succeeded by his younger half-brother, Charles III.