Abdications of Bayonne facts for kids
The Abdications of Bayonne happened on May 7, 1808, in a castle called Marracq in Bayonne, France. During this event, the French emperor Napoleon I made two Spanish kings, Charles IV and his son, Ferdinand VII, give up their throne. Napoleon wanted to take control of Spain.
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What Were the Abdications of Bayonne?
This event was Napoleon's way of reacting to some big changes in Spain. First, Ferdinand VII had forced his father, Charles IV, to give up the throne in March 1808. This was known as the Tumult of Aranjuez. Then, on May 2, 1808, the people of Spain rose up against the French soldiers who were in their country. These soldiers were there because of a deal called the Treaty of Fontainebleau.
The Kings and Napoleon
Napoleon used these events to his advantage. He brought both King Charles IV and Prince Ferdinand VII to Bayonne. There, he pressured them to give up their rights to the Spanish throne. They both agreed, one after the other, signing away their power to Napoleon.
Why Did This Happen?
Napoleon wanted to control Spain because it was an important country in Europe. He saw a chance to take over when the Spanish royal family was having problems.
The Tumult of Aranjuez
Before the abdications, there was a big argument within the Spanish royal family. King Charles IV was not very popular. His son, Ferdinand, wanted to become king. In March 1808, Ferdinand's supporters caused a riot in Aranjuez. This forced Charles IV to give up his crown to Ferdinand.
The Dos de Mayo Uprising
Just a few days before the Abdications of Bayonne, the people of Madrid, Spain, rebelled against the French troops. These troops were in Spain because of a treaty that allowed them to pass through to invade Portugal. The uprising showed that many Spanish people did not want French control.
What Happened Next?
After the Spanish kings gave up their throne, Napoleon gave the crown of Spain to his brother, Joseph Bonaparte. This made the Spanish people even more angry. They did not want a French king.
The Peninsular War Begins
The Abdications of Bayonne and the new French king led to a long and bloody conflict called the Peninsular War (1808–1814). This war was fought between Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain against Napoleon's French forces. It was a very important part of Napoleon's eventual defeat.
Ferdinand VII Returns
The Peninsular War was very difficult for Napoleon. He eventually had to let Ferdinand VII go. On December 11, 1813, Napoleon signed the Treaty of Valençay, which put Ferdinand back on the throne as King of Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Abdicaciones de Bayona para niños
