Manuel Godoy, Spanish general and politician, Prime Minister of Spain (b. 1767)
Manuel Godoy y Álvarez de Faria Ríos, Prince of the Peace, 1st Duke of Alcudia, 1st Duke of Sueca, 1st Baron of Mascalbó (May 12, 1767 – October 4, 1851) was First Secretary of State of Spain from 1792 to 1797 and from 1801 to 1808. He received many titles, including príncipe de la Paz ('Prince of the Peace'), by which he is widely known. He is best known for his diplomacy with Napoleon. In 1804, Godoy was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.He came to power at a young age as the favourite of Charles IV and Queen Maria Luisa. Despite multiple disasters, he maintained power. Many Spanish leaders blamed Godoy for the disastrous war with Britain that cut off Spain's Empire and ruined its finances. Crown Prince Ferdinand, Prince of Asturias led an attempt to oust Godoy in 1807. His unpopularity culminated in the Tumult of Aranjuez which forced him into exile.
1851Oct, 4
Manuel Godoy
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Events on 1851
- 12Feb
Australian gold rushes
Edward Hargraves announces he has found gold in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, starting the Australian gold rushes. - 11Mar
Giuseppe Verdi
The first performance of Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi takes place in Venice. - 21May
Colombia
Slavery is abolished in Colombia, South America. - 5Jun
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Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery serial, Uncle Tom's Cabin, or Life Among the Lowly, starts a ten-month run in the National Era abolitionist newspaper. - 24Oct
Umbriel (moon)
William Lassell discovers the moons Umbriel, and Ariel, orbiting Uranus.