Orden Civil de María Victoria

The Civil Order of María Victoria (Orden Civil de María Victoria) was a Spanish honorary order, established during the reign of Queen María Victoria of Spain as consort. It was instituted by Royal Decree of 7 July 1871 and rewarded eminent services rendered to public education, whether by creating, endowing, or improving educational establishments, publishing scientific, literary, or artistic works of recognized merit, or promoting the sciences, arts, literature, or industry in any other way. At that time, the Minister of Development was Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla, who was a major proponent of the creation of this order.