Charles IV, Godoy, Napoleon & the Spanish War of Independence
Charles IV and the Road to War
A Weak King in Tumultuous Times
Charles IV, successor to his father Charles III, proved to be a weak and indecisive king, ill-equipped to handle the challenges facing Spain. The French Revolution of 1789 sent shockwaves across European monarchies, fearing the spread of revolutionary ideals. In response, Prime Minister Marquis de Floridablanca closed Spain’s borders with France and implemented censorship.
The Rise of Godoy
Aranda, briefly in power, advocated neutrality, but was soon replaced by Manuel Godoy, the queen’s lover and the king’s favorite. Godoy, ambitious and intelligent, sought to suppress Enlightenment ideals. He initially allied with Britain against the French Republic after the execution of Louis XVI. However, after Spain’s defeat and the loss of the eastern part of Hispaniola (modern Dominican Republic) in the Peace of Basel, Godoy shifted alliances to France, now under the control of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Godoy’s Ambitions and Napoleon’s Schemes
Godoy’s ambition led to the War of the Oranges against Portugal, a conflict supported by Napoleon. Spain gained Olivenza as a result. However, the combined French and Spanish fleets suffered a devastating defeat at Trafalgar in 1805. In 1807, Godoy signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau, agreeing to partition Portugal with France, with a portion reserved for himself. This treaty provided Napoleon with the pretext to march troops through Spain, setting the stage for French occupation.
The War of Independence
Popular Uprising and French Response
The Mutiny of Aranjuez, instigated by nobles and the future Ferdinand VII, led to the downfall of Godoy and the abdication of Charles IV. Napoleon summoned both to Bayonne and forced their abdication in favor of his brother, Joseph Bonaparte. This sparked a bloody uprising in Madrid on May 2, 1808, marking the beginning of the Spanish War of Independence. The uprising quickly spread to other cities like Zaragoza and Zamora.
Stages of the War
The war unfolded in three stages. Initially, the Spanish army, under General Palafox, achieved some success. However, French forces soon gained control of most of the country, with Andalusia remaining a key pocket of resistance. The arrival of Wellington and British support marked a turning point. Combined with Napoleon’s disastrous campaign in Russia, the tide began to turn against the French. Spanish victories at Arapiles, Vitoria, and San Marcial ultimately drove the French from Spain.
Guerrilla Warfare and Political Landscape
Guerrilla warfare played a crucial role in the conflict. Groups like those led by Cura Merino and El Empecinado harassed French forces, disrupting supply lines and communications. Politically, Spain was divided between the imposed monarchy of Joseph Bonaparte and the popular resistance, represented by the Supreme Council and the Supreme Central Junta. This clandestine government eventually gave way to a regency that convened the Cortes of Cadiz.