The Spanish War of Independence: Treaties, Key Figures, and Timeline

Posted on Jan 17, 2025 in History

The Spanish War of Independence

Treaties

  • Fontainebleau Treaty: Signed between Napoleon and Manuel de Godoy in December 1807. It stipulated that French troops could pass through Spain to conquer Portugal. The conquered territory would be divided into three parts: two for Naples and one for Manuel de Godoy.
  • Valençay Treaty: Signed in 1813 between France and Spain. It stipulated that French troops should leave Spain, and Ferdinand VII would return as king.

Key Figures

  • Charles IV: King of Spain, known for his weak character. He married Maria Luisa of Parma. He abdicated in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII, during the Riot of Aranjuez and renounced the Spanish crown after the Abdications of Bayonne.
  • Manuel de Godoy: First Minister to Charles IV and favorite of Queen Maria Luisa. He signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau with Napoleon and was dismissed by the king during the Riot of Aranjuez.
  • Ferdinand VII: Son of Charles IV and Maria Luisa. He was named King of Spain during the Riot of Aranjuez. He renounced the Spanish crown, along with his father, in Bayonne. He returned as king in 1814 after signing the Treaty of Valençay. His reign lasted from 1814 to 1833.
  • Jose I: King of Spain from 1808, appointed by his brother Napoleon. He was known as “Pepe Botella”.
  • French Generals: Junot, Dupont, and Moncey led three army corps into Spain after the signing of the Treaty of Fontainebleau. They settled in the Basque Country, Burgos, and Valladolid.
  • General Castaños: Spanish general who led troops in the Battle of Bailén, defeating the French.
  • Daoiz and Velarde: Young captains who led the people of Madrid in the uprising against the French on May 2, 1808. They were killed during the uprising.
  • Agustina de Aragón and General Palafox: Heroine and hero of the War of Independence. They led the Spanish defense of the cities of Zaragoza and Gerona.

Timeline of the War (1808-1814)

At the beginning of the 19th century, there were two great powers in Europe: England and France. France had a great continental empire, and England had a great maritime empire. They sought to destroy each other. England supported countries that opposed France, and France imposed an economic blockade, preventing England from buying its products. Portugal, however, continued to trade with England through its colonies in America. Napoleon, seeking to conquer Portugal, signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau with Godoy, dividing Portugal between France and Spain.

Generals Junot, Moncey, and Dupont crossed the Pyrenees with their respective armies and settled in the Basque Country and Valladolid. Once settled, they decided to conquer Spain. A group of Spaniards stormed the palace in Aranjuez, demanding that Charles IV abdicate in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII, and dismiss Godoy. This event is known as the Riot of Aranjuez.

Napoleon, upon hearing of these events, summoned Ferdinand VII and Charles IV to Bayonne and forced them to renounce the crown, appointing his brother, Jose I, as the new king. The Spanish then faced the French in several ways:

  1. The Uprising of May 2, 1808: In Madrid, Daoiz and Velarde led an uprising against the French. Many people from Madrid were killed, and their generals and others were arrested and shot the next day.
  2. Sieges: The French laid siege to cities that resisted their rule, such as Zaragoza and Gerona. The resistance in these cities was led by Agustina de Aragón and General Palafox.
  3. Guerrilla Warfare: Farmers, unfamiliar with weapons but knowledgeable of the terrain, engaged in guerrilla warfare against the French. Notable figures include “El Empecinado” and “Cura Merino”.

The Spanish tried to conquer Andalusia but were defeated at Despeñaperros in the Battle of Bailén. The troops were led by General Castaños. After this defeat, Jose I decided to leave Spain, but his brother, Napoleon, sent more soldiers. The Spanish soldiers who went to Russia allied themselves with the English, led by Wellington, and defeated the French at the Battles of Vitoria and San Marcial. The Treaty of Valençay was signed, and French troops left Spain, allowing Ferdinand VII to return as king.