El Escorial Conspiracy: Ferdinand arrested

Background. Manuel Godoy became first secretary in 1801, replacing Pedro Cevallos, who opposed the French. Spain signed a mutual assistance treaty with Napoleon in 1805. A defeat made many enemies at court for Godoy, among them Ferdinand, Prince of Asturias. Ferdinand, jealous of the prime minister and anxious to take over from his father, attempted to overthrow the King in an aborted coup in 1807.

The Conspiracy. The conspiracy was an attempted coup d'état led by Ferdinand, Prince of Asturias, that took place in 1807. It was quickly discovered and led to an investigation known as the Process of El Escorial. The rebels aimed at securing foreign support from the French Emperor Napoleon. Ferdinand was arrested in October 1807 for his complicity in this conspiracy.

Aftermath. Pardons and acquittals were granted in 1807 due to significant public support for the conspirators against Godoy. This support was demonstrated in the Tumult of Aranjuez a few months later, where Godoy's palace was attacked, the king was deposed, and Ferdinand was granted the throne by the Royal Council.