Charles IV

Spanish King
1748 - 1819

Weak and lacking average mental powers, Charles IV was King of Spain at a time when strong leadership was needed. He was ruled by his wife, Maria-Louisa, and she by her lover Manuel Godoy.

In 1795 Godoy forced the king to agree to switching sides in the war against revolutionary France and Spanish forces - mainly its sizeable fleet - were then used by the French against Britain.

In 1808 he was tricked from his throne by Napoleon Bonaparte - as was his son and heir Fredinand - clearing the way for the French emperor's brother Joseph to gain the crown.

Charles IV then lived in exile in France until 1814.

After the expulsion of the French, his son became Ferdinand VII of Spain.

Remembered as a good-natured fool by many historians, Charles IV died in Rome in 1819.