The Bayonne Statute, promulgated by Joseph Bonaparte in Bayonne, France, was a royal charter designed to serve as the foundation of his reign as king of Spain. Following the French takeover of Spain during the Peninsular War, Joseph Bonaparte, the elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, sought to solidify his position and implement significant administrative reforms. The statute proposed a centralized framework for governance, inspired by French revolutionary ideals. It aimed to modernize Spain’s political structure, promoting notions such as national sovereignty and the rule of law. The charter included various reforms, such as the establishment of local councils and a codified legal system that would align with the needs of a transformed Spanish society.The promulgation of the Bayonne Statute marked an essential yet controversial moment in Spanish history, as it was perceived by many as an imposition of foreign rule. The statute was introduced during a time when resistance against Napoleonic rule was mounting throughout Spain, raising questions about its legitimacy. Many Spaniards viewed Joseph Bonaparte as a puppet king, a perspective that fueled their desire for national autonomy. Despite these sentiments, the Bayonne Statute served as a legal instrument attempting to provide a semblance of stability in the chaotic environment of the time.The establishment of this charter was met with mixed reactions. While some segments of Spanish society welcomed the proposed changes, viewing them as an opportunity for reform and modernization, others rallied against what they believed to be the encroachment of foreign powers on their sovereignty. As a result, the Bayonne Statute ultimately played a pivotal role in shaping the path of Spain’s governance during the Peninsular War and paved the way for future struggles over national identity and self-determination.