History of Spain. The unpopularity of the King Charles IV and his favorite, Godoy, was the cause of the Mutiny of Aranjuez (17-18 March 1808) that forced Charles IV to abdicate in favour of his son, Ferdinand. Abdication of Charles IV in favor of Ferdinand VII (March 19, 1808). Engraving. Historia del Levantamiento, guerra y revolucion de Espana by the Conde de Toreno. Madrid, 1851. (Photo by: Prisma/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)