The Peninsular War: A Detailed Account
Classified in History
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Causes of the Spanish War of Independence
Foreign Policy Under Charles IV
The foreign policy of Charles IV was heavily influenced by the outbreak and consequences of the French Revolution. He initially sought to prevent the Spanish people from learning about the events in France, implementing a "cordon sanitaire" under the direction of his minister, Floridablanca. Following the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, Spain declared war on revolutionary France. However, after Napoleon's rise to power, Spain signed an alliance with France.
Treaty of Fontainebleau
The Treaty of Fontainebleau authorized Napoleon's army to cross Spain to invade Portugal, which had refused to comply with the continental blockade against Britain. Napoleon had received reports indicating that many Spanish ports were violating the blockade by allowing British goods to be unloaded.
Chaotic Domestic Situation
- Stagnant population: Famine and epidemics contributed to a stagnant population growth.
- Bankruptcy of the treasury: The Spanish treasury was burdened by significant debt.
- Discredited figures: The reputations of the monarchs (Charles IV and Maria Luisa) and the Prime Minister, Godoy, were severely tarnished.
Role of the "Valido" (Favorite)
Godoy, the King's "valido" or favorite, was held responsible for the political and military disasters, the dire economic situation, epidemics, and rising prices. Godoy's enemies, in conspiracy with the Prince of Asturias (the future Ferdinand VII), used the situation to deliver a final blow to the "valido".
Mutiny of Aranjuez
- Partisans of Ferdinand stormed the palace.
- Godoy was arrested while attempting to facilitate the escape of the monarchs to America.
- Charles IV was forced to abdicate the crown.
Outbreak of the Conflict
- Ferdinand VII entered Madrid, where Murat's troops were already present.
- Murat, fearing that the new King might alter Spain's policy towards France, summoned Ferdinand VII and Charles IV to meet with Napoleon in Bayonne.
- After leaving Madrid, a governing council was left in charge. Negotiations in Bayonne ensued, during which Napoleon demanded that Ferdinand return the crown to his father, who would then cede it to Napoleon.
- Charles IV agreed, on the conditions that his domains be maintained and that Catholicism be upheld as the state religion.
- Ferdinand VII began his exile in Valençay, becoming known as "the Desired" by the Spanish people.
- Napoleon appointed his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, as King of Spain, but the war had already begun.
The Juntas
In the vacuum of royal power and the submission of authority, the people assumed sovereignty and formed their own governing bodies, effectively breaking with the Old Regime. Local and provincial juntas emerged, governing in the name of Ferdinand and assuming national sovereignty. The population elected individuals from the Old Regime, including aristocrats, clergy, rulers, and generals, to these juntas. The Supreme Central Junta became the embodiment of national sovereignty, taking charge of running the country and directing the war effort. It was composed of reformist nobles, enlightened modernists, liberals, and progressives. This assembly adopted a series of measures to organize the resistance and provide political direction.
Reign of Joseph Bonaparte
Joseph Bonaparte was appointed King of Spain and the Indies. Napoleon convened a meeting of "Gallic" representatives in Bayonne to approve a "Letter Granted", developed and promulgated by the Emperor. This Statute of Bayonne suppressed aspects of the Old Regime and imposed moderate reforms.