Jozef Bonapart King of Naples, King of Spain Date of Birth: 07.01.1768 Country: Spain

1. Joseph Bonaparte: King of Naples and King of Spain
2. Entrance into Spain
3. Challenges as King
4. Bayonne Constitution
5. The "Afrenchados"
6. Government Ineffectiveness
7. End of Joseph's Reign

Joseph Bonaparte: King of Naples and King of Spain

Joseph Bonaparte was born on January 7, 1768, in Corte, Corsica, as the elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. He served as the King of Naples from 1806 to 1808 and then became the King of Spain from 1808 to 1813.

Entrance into Spain

In December 1807, Napoleon sent Joseph to Spain under the pretense of supporting French troops in Portugal. After the abdication of King Charles IV and his son Ferdinand from the Spanish crown, Napoleon wrote to Joseph on May 11, 1808, declaring him as the destined king of Spain. Joseph was chosen primarily to be an ally against England, rather than to replace the Bourbons. However, he accepted the role and was declared the King of Spain on June 6, 1808.

Challenges as King

Joseph's reign in Spain faced significant challenges. The Spanish people, fueled by the local uprising brutally suppressed by his representative Murat on May 2, 1808, formed a hostile Spanish army composed mostly of peasants and artisans. Unlike in Naples, where Joseph gained the support of the influential bourgeoisie interested in reforms, Spain presented a completely different situation.

Bayonne Constitution

In June 1808, the Bayonne Assembly convened, aiming to establish a broad base for their reform program. The Assembly passed the Bayonne Constitution on September 24, 1810, in Cadiz. This constitution proclaimed the principle of popular sovereignty and limited the power of the constitutional monarch. Although the content of the constitution did not differ significantly from Joseph's reforms, it gained more trust from the Spanish due to its origins in the fight against the French occupation.

The "Afrenchados"

Joseph's government included members of the "afrenchados," who supported a collaboration with the French. They hoped that working with Joseph would prevent civil war and protect Spanish authorities from the occupiers. Their reform program included the abolition of feudal privileges, limiting the church's jurisdiction to internal matters, protecting Spanish export industries, reducing the national debt, and implementing reasonable taxation policies.

Government Ineffectiveness

Despite their efforts, Joseph's government proved ineffective, as he lacked the necessary army, finances, and control over the colonies. The ministers, such as Mariano de Urquijo, the State Secretary, O'Farrill, the War Minister, and Azanza, the Minister of Colonies, were unable to exert significant influence or access crucial resources.

End of Joseph's Reign

Joseph's reign came to an end in 1813 when the Spanish Central Junta declared Ferdinand VII the rightful king, rendering the Bayonne Constitution and Joseph's decrees invalid. The Spanish War of Independence had ignited resistance against foreign rule, leading to the downfall of Joseph's rule.