Charles IV’s Reign: Spain & the French Revolution’s Impact
The Reign of Charles IV: Spain on the Brink of Change (1788-1808)
The reign of Charles IV (1788-1808) in Spain coincided with a period of immense upheaval in Europe, marked by the Enlightenment, enlightened despotism, and the initial impact of the French Revolution.
Key Events and Developments:
- Succession Law Reform (1789): A project to change the Spanish succession law was initiated in 1789.
- The French Revolution and its Aftermath: The French Revolution, which began in 1789, culminated in a 23-year war (1792-1815). Revolutionary and Napoleonic France expanded its influence, driven by liberalism and nationalism. England, a parliamentary monarchy, became a permanent enemy, primarily due to political rather than ideological reasons. England found France’s domination over Belgium unacceptable, viewing it as a threat of invasion. Furthermore, England opposed Napoleon’s imperial ambitions, as it sought exclusive power over the world outside Europe.
- The Napoleonic System and its Impact on Spain:
- The Napoleonic system extended the liberal revolution.
- France gained significant dominance.
- Napoleon’s power was consolidated (1799-1815).
- Key Figures in Spain:
- Floridablanca and Aranda played significant roles during this period.
- Godoy’s Ascendancy: Manuel Godoy held immense power as the favorite of King Charles IV and, especially, Queen Maria Luisa. This was met with widespread suspicion. Although the terms “validos” were used in the 17th century and “privados” in the Middle Ages, “favorite” is the appropriate term for Godoy. He served as the First Secretary of State and held the Universal Office, effectively acting as head of government, among many other positions.
- The War of the Convention (1793-1795): Spain participated in the first coalition against the French Revolution during the War of the Convention.
- Peace of Basel (1795): This treaty brought a period of relative peace.
- Treaty of San Ildefonso (1796): Spain allied with France through this treaty, presented as a “Family Pact.”
- Reactions to the French Revolution in Spain:
- Some Enlightenment figures adopted a defensive stance against the Revolution (e.g., Floridablanca).
- Others, particularly among the younger generation, embraced pre-liberal and liberal ideas.
- The Spanish people, still largely traditional, strongly opposed the French Revolution, viewing it as an anti-Christian force. This opposition was evident in the War against the Convention (1793-1795).
- Wars Against England: Spain, as one of France’s few allies, engaged in wars against England, including the War of the Oranges (1801), a largely symbolic conflict against Portugal, and the Battle of Trafalgar (October 21, 1805).
- Conspiracy Against Godoy: Aristocrats, using the future Ferdinand VII, conspired against Godoy, leading to the *Proceso de El Escorial*.
- Treaty of Fontainebleau (1807): This treaty allowed French troops to enter Spain, ostensibly to target Portugal. However, they also occupied Spain, marking the beginning of the Napoleonic invasion in 1808.
- The Mutiny of Aranjuez (March 17-19, 1808): This uprising led to the downfall of Godoy and the forced abdication of Charles IV in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII, who proclaimed himself king. Napoleon, however, had already decided to invade Spain and install his brother, Joseph, as king, considering Charles IV and Godoy unreliable allies and easily overthrown. The Mutiny of Aranjuez seemingly confirmed his assessment.
- Abdication and the Constitution of Bayonne: Following the mutiny, Napoleon summoned both Charles IV and Ferdinand VII to France and forced them to abdicate at Bayonne. He then convened an “Assembly of Notables” from Spain, which accepted Joseph I as king and adopted the Constitution of Bayonne in 1808.