King Charles IV of Spain reigned from 1788 to 1808. He was born on November 11, 1748, and was the son of Charles III of Spain. His reign was marked by political instability and the influence of his wife, Maria Luisa of Parma, and the powerful minister Manuel Godoy. During his rule, Spain faced economic difficulties and social unrest, leading to the Peninsular War against Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1808, Charles IV abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII, amid the French invasion. He died on January 20, 1819, in exile in Italy.