Charles IV and the Crisis of the Spanish Monarchy (1788-1808)

The Decline of Enlightened Despotism: Charles IV (1788-1808)

Charles IV (1788-1808), son and successor of Charles III, attempted to continue their moderate reformist and authoritarian politics. His reign introduced several key features:

The Government of a Valid

At first, Charles IV kept his father's trusted political leaders, such as Floridablanca and Aranda. Soon, he chose Manuel Godoy as his valid, who, between 1792 and 1808, was the main implementer of the monarchy's policy. This system weakened the image of the rulers.

The Influence of the French Revolution

Starting in 1789, the revolutionary process influenced the Enlightenment and, therefore, Spanish politics. Some supporters moderated their ideas, while other intellectuals, tired of the slow pace of reforms, were radicalized and saw France as an example to emulate.

Increasing Reliance on France

The Spanish monarchy returned to an alliance with France against the United Kingdom. This approach, promoted by Godoy, resulted in a series of treaties (San Ildefonso in 1796 and 1800, and Fontainebleau in 1807) that isolated Spain from the rest of Europe. The Spanish government made available financial resources and its naval fleet to France. The British imposed a sea blockade on Spain in 1796, damaging trade and communications with America. In addition, the Spanish-French Navy was annihilated at Trafalgar (1805), off the coast of Cadiz. In 1807, Napoleon Bonaparte decided to use Spain as a bridge to reach Portugal.

Serious Problems of the State Treasury

Wars put the Crown on the verge of bankruptcy. To finance the public debt, a greater number of vales reales were issued, which caused their value to plummet. From 1798, to obtain income, the state seized and sold church property. The resulting amount was used to meet the payment of debts. This led to confiscation.

A Growing Political Opposition

On the left were the enemies of absolutism, in favor of a constitution or fundamental law that limited the king's power. On the right, advocates called for greater involvement of the aristocracy in power, moderation of the attacks against the clergy, and the removal of Godoy from the government. This group was led by Ferdinand (heir and Prince of Asturias) who had been involved in several conspiracies.

Mutiny of Aranjuez

When the plan to move the kings to Andalusia was revealed, a riot broke out in Aranjuez, a town where the king resided. Godoy and Charles IV were imprisoned, and Charles IV was forced to abdicate. The new king, Ferdinand VII, confirmed his allegiance to Napoleon's troops entering Madrid.

The Crisis of 1808: The War of Independence

The War of Independence was a complex process:

• It was part of an international conflict.
• It became a civil war.
• It was accompanied by a political crisis.

An International Conflict

It was an episode of an international conflict that began with Revolutionary France in 1792, continued under Napoleon, and concluded in 1815 (Congress of Vienna).

A Civil War

It was also a civil war since Napoleon's troops entered the peninsula not as invaders but as collaborators.

A Political Crisis

The absence of a legitimate monarch caused a power vacuum and, therefore, a serious political crisis.

The Stages of the War

• May to October 1808: The French army was unable to dominate the Iberian Peninsula.
• October 1808 to July 1812: Despite French military hegemony, there were significant pockets of insurrection that Napoleon's troops could not control.
• July 1812 to 1814: In this phase, there was a major Allied offensive that culminated in the expulsion of French troops.