biography
| name: |
Ferdinand VII
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| |
known as Ferdinand the Desired
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1784–1833)
|
| biography:
| King of Spain (1808–33), born in El Escorial, Spain, the son of Charles IV and Maria Luisa of Parma. He became involved in intrigues against the chief minister and favourite, Manuel de Godoy, and sought the support of Napoleon I. When Godoy let French troops enter Spain, Charles was overthrown by the Revolt of Aranjuez (1808), and abdicated in favour of Ferdinand, who was acclaimed by the people. Napoleon summoned Ferdinand to France and forced him to return the throne to his father. He in turn granted it to Napoleon, who then made his brother, Joseph, king of Spain and held Ferdinand prisoner during the Peninsular War (1808–14). In support of Ferdinand, the Spanish people rose against the French invaders, and the Constitution of Cadiz was proclaimed (1812). Napoleon released Ferdinand, who was restored in 1814. In 1830, Ferdinand's fourth wife, Maria Christina, gave birth to his only child, the future Isabella II. |
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