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La Guerra de la Independencia Española
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La Guerra de la Independencia Española

Crisis of the Old Regime in Spain and the War of Independence

This section introduces the crisis of the old regime in Spain and the war of independence.

The Reign of Carlos IV

  • The reign of Carlos IV is marked by two important events:
  • The outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, shortly after Carlos IV came to power.
  • The rise to power of Manuel Godoy, a character from a lower noble background who quickly ascends to become a trusted advisor to Carlos IV.

Spain's Involvement in the War

  • Spain enters into war with France as a result of the execution of Louis XVI in 1792.
  • Initially, Spain achieves some success under General Ricardos, but later faces setbacks when France reorganizes its army through mass conscription.
  • Godoy is forced to sign the Peace Treaty of Basel in 1795, earning him the title "Prince of Peace" and aligning Spain's policies with those of France.

Consequences for Spain

  • As a result of aligning with France, Spain finds itself at war with England.
  • Spain suffers a major naval defeat at Cape St. Vincent in 1797, leading to disruptions in trade with America.

Spanish Subordination to French Policy

This section discusses how Spain becomes increasingly subordinate to French policy and its consequences.

Political Subordination

  • In 1796, Spain signs the Treaty of San Ildefonso, further subordinating its policies to those of France.
  • The main consequence is that Spain becomes involved in another war against England, resulting in poor outcomes for Spain.

Disasters and Pressures

  • A series of disasters including defeats at Trafalgar (1805) leave Spain without a fleet to defend its American empire.
  • Godoy's position becomes precarious due to pressures from the nobility, leading to his first removal from power.

Return of Godoy and the War with Portugal

This section covers the return of Manuel Godoy to power and the war with Portugal.

Godoy's Return

  • In 1800, Godoy returns to power with Napoleon's support, but under the condition that Spain declares war on Portugal.
  • The war, known as the War of Oranges, lasts only two months (May-June 1801) and ends in a farce with Spain accepting an agreement that leaves it with only one territorial gain.

Peace Treaty and New Plans

  • The Peace of Amiens in 1802 provides temporary relief for Spain.
  • However, tensions between France and England resume in 1804 after an English attack on a Spanish convoy from America.
  • Napoleon takes advantage of Spain's alliance against England and plans an invasion of Portugal through Spanish territory.

Failure at Trafalgar and Exploitation by Napoleon

This section discusses the failure at the Battle of Trafalgar and Napoleon's exploitation of Spain.

Battle of Trafalgar

  • The Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 results in a major defeat for Spain, leaving it without a fleet to defend its American empire.

Exploitation by Napoleon

  • Despite these setbacks, Napoleon continues to exploit Spain for his own interests.
  • A new plan is devised to invade Portugal through Spanish territory, which serves as a cover for Napoleon's hidden agenda.

Invasion Plan and Conspiracies

This section explores Napoleon's invasion plan and the conspiracies against Carlos IV.

Invasion Plan

  • Napoleon deceives Godoy into signing the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1807, allowing French troops to pass through Spain to invade Portugal.
  • The plan includes dividing Portugal between different parties, benefiting Napoleon's allies and Manuel Godoy.

Conspiracies at Court

  • Due to his unpopularity, Godoy faces conspiracies led by nobles and even Fernando, the Prince of Asturias.
  • They seek support from Napoleon to force Carlos IV's abdication and place Fernando on the throne.

French Invasion of Spain

This section covers the French invasion of Spain and the failed escape plan.

French Intrusions

  • In March 1808, French troops enter Spain supposedly en route to Portugal but begin occupying strategic points in the country.
  • Godoy realizes their true intentions and informs Carlos IV, leading to a plan for escape.

Escape Plan Gone Wrong

  • The escape plan involves fleeing to Cadiz and then taking a ship to America to continue governing from there.
  • However, complications arise, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Depositadas en él

This section discusses the situation in Spain where the French had peacefully taken control of a large part of the peninsula. King Fernando VII seeks protection from Napoleon, who offers to mediate between him and his father.

The French takeover and mediation offer

  • The French had already taken control of a significant portion of the Spanish peninsula.
  • King Fernando VII realizes that he cannot ruin Napoleon's plans without his consent.
  • He asks Napoleon for protection, but his father had also made the same request before.
  • Napoleon generously offers to mediate between them.

Invita a reunirse con él en Bayona

In this section, it is discussed how Napoleon invites King Fernando VII and his father to meet him in Bayona. However, this turns out to be a trap set by Napoleon.

The trap at Bayona

  • Napoleon invites King Fernando VII and his father to meet him in Bayona.
  • It is revealed that Napoleon has prepared an ambush for them.
  • Through a seemingly legal transfer of power, Fernando VII returns the throne to his father Carlos IV, who then cedes it to Napoleon.
  • Finally, Napoleon transfers the throne to his brother Joseph Bonaparte, making him Joseph I.

El pueblo de Madrid se levanta en armas

This section highlights how the people of Madrid rise up against the French army on May 2nd, 1808. The rebellion is brutally suppressed by Murat's troops.

Rebellion in Madrid

  • On May 2nd, 1808, the people of Madrid take up arms against the French army.
  • This uprising is in response to seeing their kings being taken away by Napoleon.
  • The rebellion is led by the people of Madrid but is harshly repressed by Murat's troops.
  • Several heroes emerge from this event, such as Daoíz and Velarde, Manuela Malasaña.

Con estos hechos va a dar comienzo la guerra de la independencia

This section marks the beginning of the War of Independence in Spain, triggered by the events in Madrid.

Start of the War of Independence

  • The Spanish people, without leaders who were taken to Bayona by Napoleon, declare war against him.
  • This marks the start of the War of Independence in Spain.

La conquista francesa de la península

In this section, we discuss the first stage of the War of Independence, which involves French conquest and resistance from cities like Zaragoza and Gerona.

French conquest and resistance

  • The French army aims to conquer Spain on their way to Portugal.
  • Their success depends on securing a clear path from Madrid to the Pyrenees and quickly occupying the country.
  • However, they encounter strong resistance in cities like Zaragoza and Gerona.
  • Zaragoza withstands a long siege under General Palafox until its surrender in February 1809.
  • Gerona also resists until December 1809 under General Álvarez de Castro.
  • The French suffer a surprising defeat at the Battle of Bailén on July 19th, 1808.

La segunda fase de la guerra de la independencia

This section covers the second phase of the War of Independence between 1809 and 1811. It becomes a phase of attrition for the French army.

Second phase: Phase of attrition

  • The second phase of the war takes place between 1809 and 1811.
  • The French army focuses on suppressing isolated pockets of resistance and gaining maximum control over the peninsula by 1810.
  • The city of Cádiz withstands a siege with British assistance, hindering French supply routes.
  • The Spanish people's strong will to resist leads to the development of popular guerrilla warfare.
  • Guerrilla groups, such as those led by Francisco Espoz y Mina and Juan Martín Díez, harass the French army through surprise attacks and take refuge in forests and mountains.
  • The guerrilla warfare strategy forces the French to allocate significant manpower for garrison duties and transportation.

La resistencia de la península ibérica

This section discusses how the resistance of the Iberian Peninsula, combined with guerrilla warfare, poses a new problem for Napoleon's troops.

Resistance and guerrilla warfare

  • The resistance of the Iberian Peninsula becomes a major obstacle for Napoleon's troops.
  • Popular guerrilla groups continue to disrupt French operations through ambushes and traps.
  • Notable guerrilla leaders include Francisco Sánchez "El Tío Camuñas" in La Mancha region and Jerónimo Merino, known as "El Cura Merino."
  • These actions tie down French forces, allowing smaller Spanish armies to engage them on more equal terms.

Conclusion

The transcript provides an overview of key events leading up to the War of Independence in Spain. It highlights Napoleon's manipulation of King Fernando VII, the rebellion in Madrid, resistance against French conquests, and the emergence of popular guerrilla warfare. These events set the stage for a long and challenging conflict that would shape Spain's fight for independence.

The Influence of Banditry in Andalusia

In this section, the speaker discusses the influence of banditry in Andalusia, particularly in Sierra Morena and the Serranía de Ronda.

Banditry in Andalusia

  • Banditry is abundant in Andalusia.
  • Bandoleros have their zone of influence, especially in Sierra Morena and the Serranía de Ronda.

The Allied Counteroffensive between 1812 and 1814

This section focuses on the third phase of the Peninsular War, which is the Allied counteroffensive between 1812 and 1814.

Wellington's Offensive

  • Napoleon's preparations for the Russian campaign in 1812 led to a withdrawal of French troops from Spain.
  • Wellington took advantage of this opportunity to launch an offensive.
  • Wellington defeated the French at the Battle of Salamanca on July 22, 1812.
  • Madrid was subsequently liberated by Wellington's forces.

French Efforts and Retreat

  • The French attempted a final effort by concentrating their forces under General Soult.
  • This forced Wellington to retreat back to Portugal.
  • However, Napoleon needed more troops for his struggles in Central Europe.
  • He transferred additional troops from Spain to face combined armies of Russians, Austrians, and Prussians.
  • This weakened the French army significantly.

Defeat of the French Army and Liberation of Spain

In this section, we learn about the gradual retreat and ultimate defeat of the French army in Spain.

French Retreat

  • The weakened French army initiated a gradual retreat towards northern Spain.
  • They were definitively defeated at the Battle of Victoria on July 13, 1813.
  • Another significant defeat occurred at the Battle of San Marcial on August 31, 1813.

Liberation of Spain

  • These victories resulted in the liberation of Spain from French occupation.

The transcript is already in English.

Video description

VÍDEO REALIZADO POR EL PROFESOR DAVID RABOSO. Carlos IV y la Revolución. La Guerra de la Convención. El ascenso de Godoy. El Tratado de Fontainebleau. La invasión peninsular y el 2 de mayo. La batalla de Bailén. La Campaña de Napoleón. La ocupación peninsular. La Guerrilla. Las campañas de Wellington y Arapiles. La derrota francesa en 1813.