War in Spain · 1808–1814
After Trafalgar and the Continental System Napoleon forced Spain into alliance. In spring 1808 Godoy was overthrown, Charles IV yielded the throne to Ferdinand VII, but at Bayonne the Bourbons were made to abdicate again — Joseph Bonaparte was placed on the throne. The rising of 2 May and guerrilla war turned the "Spanish adventure" into a grinding war of attrition; the legitimacy of Ferdinand VII became the rallying cry of resistance.
Marshals of the campaign
9 marshals
Key events
- 19.03Politics
At Aranjuez a mutiny topples Godoy; Charles IV abdicates in favour of Ferdinand VII — a brief "first reign".
- 1808Politics
At Bayonne Napoleon forces Ferdinand VII and Charles IV to abdicate again; Joseph Bonaparte is placed on the throne. Murat enters Madrid — the "Spanish adventure" begins.
- 02.05Politics
Dos de Mayo: the Madrid rising is crushed by Murat; juntas and guerrillas across the country declare war on the French and recognise Ferdinand VII as the legitimate king.
- 14.07Politics
After the French victory at Medina del Rio Seco, Joseph enters Madrid — for the first time as King of Spain.
- 22.07
- 01.08Politics
After Bailén Joseph leaves Madrid; the French fall back behind the Ebro — the "first" occupation of the capital ends.
- 21.08Battle
At Vimeiro the British army under Wellington defeats Junot; the French evacuate Portugal under the Convention of Sintra.
- 1808Politics
In the autumn Moncey routs the Spanish armies of the centre and east at Tudela; the siege of Zaragoza begins.
- 12.1808
- 20 Feb
- 1809
- 16.01Battle
At Corunna Soult defeats Sir John Moore's army; the British evacuate, but their commander is killed.
- 27.07Battle
At Talavera Wellington repels Victor's attack but cannot pursue — the French hold central Spain.
- 1810Politics
Masséna receives the Army of Portugal — the "march on Lisbon"; Wellington falls back to the Lines of Torres Vedras.
- 27.09Battle
At Bussaco Masséna fails to break Wellington's positions; the French besiege the Lines of Torres Vedras and lose time and supplies.
- 1811
- 22.07Battle
At Salamanca Wellington routs Marmont's army — a turning point in the peninsula; Joseph loses Madrid for the second time.
- 21.06Battle
At Vitoria the army of Joseph under Jourdan is routed by Wellington; the French abandon artillery and wagons.
- 1814Treaty
After the defeats of 1813–1814 the French leave the Pyrenees; Ferdinand VII returns to the throne — the Peninsular War is over.
Sides and key participants
Campaign results
For France
- The “Spanish adventure” became the “Spanish ulcer” — a constant drain on imperial manpower and supplies
- Loss of Portugal and the Lines of Torres Vedras; defeats at Salamanca and Vitoria
- Joseph Bonaparte lost his throne; the army was evacuated over the Pyrenees
- The best marshals — Masséna, Marmont, Soult — could not break resistance
For the coalition
- Spain and Portugal kept their independence; guerrillas and juntas disrupted French occupation
- Wellington turned the British contingent into the coalition's main striking force
- The Peninsular War diverted resources from other fronts and prepared the Sixth Coalition
- The Bourbons’ return completed the national uprising