Spanish War of Independence: Key Phases and Consequences

Posted on Feb 13, 2025 in History

Spanish War of Independence: Key Phases

The initial phase involved early fighting against the French and concluded with Napoleon’s arrival in Spain.

The Spanish victory at Bailén forced Joseph I to flee Madrid.
Spanish troops, though led by General Dupont, bravely defended cities like Zaragoza, Gerona, and Valencia against relentless bombing.
English forces under Wellesley defeated Junot’s troops in Lisbon.

Napoleon’s arrival in Spain led to the conquest of most of the territory, except for Cádiz. He defeated the English army at Espinosa de los Monteros (Burgos) and General Castaños at Tudela (Navarra).
After fierce resistance, Madrid surrendered. The English were defeated in Galicia, and Saragossa endured its second siege, ultimately being recaptured and razed.
Napoleon’s departure from Spain to address the impending war against Austria left much of the territory uncontrolled. The Spanish army continued to resist, supported by the Central Board.

The war transitioned into a phase of attrition, marked by the inability to fully dominate the peninsula due to the rise of “guerrilla” warfare.

Guerrilla groups, composed of men and dispersed soldiers, emerged from the local population, demonstrating greater resolve. Army officers formed their own units, which were regulated by the Central Board and eventually became divisions (e.g., Espoz and Mina).
Guerrilla tactics involved avoiding direct battles, opting for hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, relying on the support of the local population for food and supplies, making it difficult for the French to neutralize them.
Objectives included targeting lines of communication, supplies, and arms convoys.
The impact on the French army was significant, lowering morale and forcing them to dedicate substantial manpower to escort missions.
Guerrillas collaborated with regular Spanish and English army units from 1808.
By 1809, French generals primarily focused on securing conquered areas against Wellesley’s army.
Key battles included Talavera in July and Ocaña in November, where Soult defeated the Spanish army, leading to the French conquest of Andalusia. The Central Board was forced to move to Cádiz, reinforced by troops from Portugal via the English fleet.

The French decline began after the defeat at Torres Vedras, leading to their abandonment of Portugal (and failure to capture Cádiz).
Wellesley’s troops reconquered Badajoz. Napoleon’s decision to withdraw 50,000 troops to Russia proved pivotal.
British troops entered Salamanca, followed by the victory at Arapiles. Napoleon retreated with 100,000 men.
Wellesley launched an offensive, and Joseph Bonaparte left Madrid.
On December 11, Napoleon signed the Treaty of Valençay, reinstating Ferdinand VII to the throne.

Inserted (Bourgeois Revolutionaries): Advocated for continued reform, inspired by revolutionary ideals.
Afrancesados (High Society): Collaborated with Joseph Bonaparte, seeing an opportunity for modernization and prosperity. Viewed as traitors by the people, they defended necessary reforms, including the abolition of the seigneurial regime, suppression of the Inquisition and inland customs, reduction of convents, and a civil code.
Jovellanistas (Bourgeois Intellectuals): Followers of Jovellanos, they sought reform initiated by the monarchy, believing Spanish society was the result of a historical process and the constitution should be based on traditional monarchy. Their objectives included the independence of the judiciary and the intervention of the courts.
Liberals (Bourgeois Intellectuals): Inspired by the principles of the French Revolution, they agreed with liberal ideas, resulting in the formation of the Constitution of 1812. They defended rights and freedoms, equality before the law, taxation, voting rights, holding public office, private property, free enterprise, and supply and demand.