Abdications of Bayonne

Background: Napoleon's Intervention in Spain

The precise moment Napoleon decided to intervene openly in the Spanish monarchy remains debated. Miguel Artola places it after the Escorial conspiracy of October 27, 1807, when Prince Ferdinand attempted to oust the favorite Manuel Godoy and force his father's abdication, revealing instability in an ally whose foreign policy Napoleon had influenced since 1801. French historian Thierry Lentz agrees that the definitive decision to intervene, rather than merely choose between Charles and Ferdinand, likely took shape around this time.

The French ambassador François de Beauharnais, implicated in the conspiracy, may have influenced the decision, writing that the Spanish nation expected its salvation solely from the Emperor. During his captivity on Saint Helena, Napoleon stated that Spain could not be left at the disposal of enemies and needed to be bound to his system, willingly or by force. He also believed the Spanish nation despised its government and cried out for regeneration, and that the royal family's dissensions had stained it with contempt.

Lentz notes that the decision was also influenced by a French sense of superiority toward a kingdom seen as characterized by religious obscurantism, noble vanity, poverty, and ignorance—sentiments echoed in reports reaching the Emperor.

Ferdinand VII’s trip to Bayonne

After ascending the throne, Ferdinand VII sent the Duke of Parque to pay respects to Marshal Joachim Murat, lieutenant general of French troops in Spain. Neither Murat nor French ambassador François de Beauharnais reciprocated when Ferdinand made his triumphal entry into Madrid on March 24, and Napoleon sent no note. French authorities addressed Ferdinand as 'His Royal Highness' rather than 'Majesty,' a title used when he was Prince of Asturias, which Emilio La Parra López described as revealing of France's attitude and concerning for Ferdinand, who knew his crown depended on Napoleon's recognition.

On March 26, Ferdinand wrote to the ambassador expressing his desire to see the Emperor and follow his advice. The Council of Castile issued a proclamation on April 2 reiterating that French troops were in Spain to execute plans against England and warning against disturbing friendly correspondence. Ferdinand's propaganda claimed the imperial army had entered to protect him from Godoyists, but Napoleon had already decided to replace the Bourbons with a family member, though he had not disclosed this even to Murat.

Abdications

Ferdinand VII arrived in Bayonne at noon on April 20, with no imperial envoy greeting him at the border. He was taken to the intendancy building, which his entourage considered unsuitable for a monarch. Shortly afterward, he dined with Napoleon at the Château de Marracq, where Napoleon never addressed him as 'Majesty' or even 'Royal Highness.' Napoleon wrote to Talleyrand that Ferdinand had said nothing, was indifferent, materialistic, ate four times a day, and had no ideas.

That afternoon, General Savary informed Ferdinand that the Emperor had irrevocably decided the Bourbon dynasty would not reign in Spain. Secretary of State Cevallos wrote that Napoleon acted with threats and in an imperious tone that could not be conveyed on paper. On April 30, Charles IV and his wife María Luisa of Parma arrived in Bayonne, having been led to believe Napoleon intended to restore Charles to the throne. Unlike Ferdinand, they were greeted by an imperial envoy, with bells and 101 cannon salutes.

They were taken to the Government Palace, a more suitable residence. Hours later, a besamanos was held, attended by all the Grandees of Spain accompanying Ferdinand. Emilio La Parra López noted the different treatment: Napoleon received Charles as a king but did not consider Ferdinand as such.

Interregnum

On May 10, Napoleon wrote to his brother Joseph Bonaparte, King of Naples, informing him he would transfer the Spanish Crown's rights. When news of the Bayonne events reached Spain in mid-May 1808, an anti-French rebellion spread, while Joseph I did not arrive in Madrid until late July. Historian Miguel Artola called this interregnum Napoleon's first mistake, noting that at a moment when a strong government was needed, the supreme authority was Marshal Murat, a foreign commander who was ill and did not deal with governance.

The people, abandoned by their abdicating kings and without the new monarch, faced a vacant throne for nearly two months. The French ambassador's urgent dispatches to expedite the process had no effect; Artola concluded that when Joseph arrived, it was too late, and the nation had decided its future: war. On May 25, Napoleon issued a proclamation to the Spanish people, reaffirming an assembly of notables in Bayonne and confirming Murat's position.

On June 4, he decreed Joseph as King of Spain. The Bayonne Assembly, with 91 of 150 intended notables, debated and approved the Bayonne Statute between June 15 and 30.

Joseph swore the oath on July 7, entered Spain on July 9, and arrived in Madrid on July 20, but left after eleven days due to the patriot victory at Bailén. The Council of Castile invalidated the abdications on August 11, and Ferdinand VII was proclaimed king in absentia on August 24. The United Kingdom recognized Ferdinand as king on January 14, 1809.