-
Battle of Tafalgar
During Carlos IV reign, Napoleon started invaiding territiries. Spain and France became allies and tried to recover Gibraltar that was under the power of Great Britain. The battle took place near the coasts of the Cape Trafalgar. It was a naval battle where Spain and France became defeated by the British. This battle is considered one of the most important naval battles in the XIX century. -
Period: to
French occupation in Spain
-
Treaty of Fontainbleau
This treaty gave Frech troops permission to move into Spain with the purpose of attacking Portugal who had became an allie of Great Britian.
The French troops realised they couldn't conquer Portugal and insted they occupied Spain, disrespecting the treaty. -
Starts Spanish War of Independence
The people of Madrid rose up against the French occupation.
King Carlos IV abdicates and his son Fernando becomes king. -
Period: to
Spanish War of Independence
-
Coronation of Joseph I
Napoleons brother became king of Spain. The same day he approved the Bayonne Constitution, in which he icluded some enlightened reforms such as the equalty under the law. King Fernando and his Father are sent to Bayonne -
Battle of Bailén
This Battle took place in Bailén. The French troops fought against the Spanish forces wich were a much bigger army. The battle lasted five days and finished the 22th of July. After this battle the new king Joseph I had to escape from Madrid. -
Creation of the Cortes
The Cortes were created in Cádiz, the only place that didn't fall under the French troops. -
First Spanish Constitution
The Cortes aprooved the first Spanish Consitution. In the Constitution were established the following principles:
- The absolute monarchy was replaced by a Constitutional Monarchy
-popular sovereignty
- limited male suffrage
- separation of powers
- equalty, rights of freedom, privacy and prohibition of torture -
Joseph I's reign ended and end of the Spanish War of Independence