Charles IV of Spain

Charles IV (November 11, 1748 - January 20, 1819) was King of Spain from December 14, 1788 until his abdication on March 19, 1808.

Abdication

When he was told that his son Ferdinand was appealing to the emperor Napoleon against Godoy, he took the side of the favourite. When the populace rose at Aranjuez in 1808 he abdicated on March 19 to save the minister, who had been taken prisoner. Ferdinand took the throne but was distrusted by Napoleon, who had 100,000 soldiers in Spain by that time.

Related Topics:
Napoleon - Aranjuez - 1808 - March 19

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He took refuge in France, and was the prisoner of Napoleon. He had a difficult time restraining himself from assaulting his son. Then he abdicated in favour of Napoleon's brother Joseph. He accepted a pension from the French emperor and spent the rest of his life between his wife and Godoy. He died in Rome on January 20, 1819.

Related Topics:
Joseph - Rome - January 20 - 1819

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~