A British campaign (1806–1807) to conquer the strategically important Rio de la Plata region in South America has met with failure.

Godoy had meanwhile withdrawn from the Continental System that Napoleon had devised to combat Britain, only to join it again in 1807, after Napoleon defeats the Prussians.

Napoleon, however, has lost his faith in Godoy and King Charles; there is also growing support in Spain for the king's son, Ferdinand, who opposes the widely despised Godoy.

Ferdinand, however, favors an alliance with Britain, and Napoleon has always doubted the trustworthiness of any Bourbon royalty.