Joseph Bonaparte

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.