British Aid in the Carlist War: 1835-1840
In Spain, writes James Marshall-Cornwall, Melbourne’s government supported the Legitimists with an Auxiliary Legion.
Ever since the imbecile Charles II ascended the throne of Spain in 1665, the succession to that monarchy had intermittently disturbed the peace of Europe. The trouble was largely caused by French intrigues; and this was the case in 1700, when Charles II died without issue, after having been persuaded by the French party to leave his kingdom to the Due d’Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV and Maria Theresa.
The War of the Spanish Succession ensued, bringing about British involvement and leading to Marlborough’s victories over the French. A century later, in 1808, Napoleon stirred up more trouble by forcing Charles IV to abdicate in favour of his eldest son, Ferdinand VII, and then placing his own brother Joseph on the throne of Spain. On Napoleon’s abdication in 1814, Ferdinand was restored to his legitimate inheritance.
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