Tumult of Aranjuez

Tumult of Aranjuez
03/17/1808 AD revolted

The Tumult of Aranjuez (Spanish: Motín de Aranjuez), also known as the Mutiny of Aranjuez, was an uprising against King Charles IV that took place on 17–19 March 1808 that led to abdication.

The event is celebrated annually in the first week of September to commemorate the fall of the monarch and the subsequent accession of his son Ferdinand VII. It is celebrated in September rather than in March as the revived celebrations in Aranjuez that began in 1988 were added on top of pre-existing September festivals.

The revolt was instigated by disgruntled citizens and by Ferdinand's supporters.

Before the mutiny, Charles IV's valido, or prime minister, Manuel de Godoy, a former member of the Royal Guard, had become unpopular among both the nobles and the Spanish people.

The nobility resented how Godoy had attained power even though he was born in poverty and obscurity. Most notable among them was the King's own son Ferdinand, who had led the El Escorial Conspiracy a few months earlier. The people were upset about Godoy's ambitious nature, his flirting with many women of the court and his willingness to have Catholic Spain make treaties with atheist Revolutionary France against Christian (though Anglican) Great Britain.

Another important factor was the economic crisis affecting the country, which was heightened after Spain lost its navy in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. This had impaired trade with the United States, causing food shortages and affecting industrial production.

Aranjuez

Lattitude: 40.0333° N
Longitude: 3.6027° W
Region: Europe

Modern Day Spain

Events in 1808 MORE