Joseph Bonaparte vs Yeongjo of Joseon

Spanish forces defeated a French army at Bail

Joseph Bonaparte issued the Bayonne Constitution, a liberal charter that introduced reforms such as freedom of the press and abolition of the Inquisition. The constitution was rejected by most Spaniards as imposed by a foreign ruler.

Napoleon appointed his brother Joseph as King of Spain after the abdication of Charles IV and Ferdinand VII. Joseph's rule was opposed by the Spanish populace and led to the Peninsular War.

After the French defeat at the Battle of Vitoria, Joseph Bonaparte abdicated the Spanish throne and fled to France. He later lived in exile in the United States and Italy, never regaining power.

Yeongjo implemented the Tangpyeong policy to reduce factional strife by appointing officials from all factions. He banned factional labels and promoted merit-based appointments. This stabilized the court but did not eliminate factionalism entirely.

Yeongjo introduced the Gyunyeokbeop, a uniform military tax that replaced various service obligations with a cloth tax. This reduced the burden on commoners and increased state revenue, though it faced opposition from the aristocracy.

King Yeongjo ordered his son Crown Prince Sado to be locked inside a rice chest for eight days, leading to his death by starvation. Sado had been accused of mental illness and violent behavior. This event traumatized the court and led to Jeongjo's later reforms.

Yeongjo reigned for 52 years (1724-1776), the longest of any Joseon king. His reign saw cultural flourishing, economic stability, and political reforms, but also the tragic death of his son. He died at age 81, leaving a mixed legacy.