Charles IV of Spain

Reign: 1788 – 1808; 1808 – 1808
Life: 1748–1819

The Spain inherited by Charles IV gave few indications of instability, but during his reign, Spain entered a series of disadvantageous alliances and his regime constantly sought cash to deal with the exigencies of war. He detested his son and heir Ferdinand, who led the unsuccessful El Escorial Conspiracy and later forced Charles's abdication after the Tumult of Aranjuez in March 1808, along with ousting Charles's widely hated first minister Manuel Godoy. The reign of Charles IV turned out to be a major negative turning point in Spanish history.

During Charles IV of Spain's reign, Selim III ruled Ottoman Empire, George III of Great Britain ruled Great Britain, and Frederick William III of Prussia ruled Prussia.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Imperial Spain, 1469–1716 by J. H. Elliott

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From the library

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