Modern Spain 

1-Introduction

The Industrial Revolution started in Britain in 1760 and spread across Europe during the first part of the 19th century. Factories, thanks to new machinery and inventions, were built mostly in cities. People began to migrate from rural areas to cities to look for work.

Politically, there was also a huge change. The French Revolution meant the end of absolutism in France, the end of unlimited powers for the king and the beginning of new liberal ideas.

2-Revolution and changes in Spain

Carlos IV came to the Spanish throne in 1788 just as the French Revolution was beginning.

Relations between Spain and France, distant up until now, improved and in 1807 the Spanish Prime Minister, Manuel Godoy, signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau with Napoleon Bonaparte. They agreed to invade Portugal and divide it between each other. However, France used this alliance to achieve another objective – the invasion of Spain.

Carlos’ son, Fernando led the Mutiny of Aranjuez in 1808 against Godoy. It forced Carlos IV to abdicate in favour of his son who became King Fernando VII. Napoleon then forced Fernando to abdicate and put his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, on the throne of Spain.