Spanish War of Independence: Causes and Key Events

**Development of the Spanish War of Independence**

The French occupation, along with other circumstances, caused a popular uprising in the streets of Madrid, brutally repressed by the French. This episode marked the beginning of the War of Independence.

Coronation of José I and the Bayonne Assembly

To prevent further revolts, Joachim Murat persuaded the Council of Castile, Madrid City Council, and the Governing Board to support the coronation of the new monarch, José I, brother of Napoleon. Thus, an assembly was convened in Bayonne for José I to take his oath as king and to make proposals for a charter (a granted charter), drawn up by Napoleon. This charter stated that the executive power would be in the hands of the king. Moreover, it declared the Catholic religion as the only one permitted, recognized rights such as freedom of the press, abolished internal customs and feudal rights, reformed the treasury, and provided for the development of civil and criminal codes for the entire kingdom. However, none of these provisions would be applied due to the outbreak of war.

Formation of the Central Supreme Governing Board

Given the power vacuum, people organized themselves into local and provincial boards, assumed sovereignty, and incited the people to defend the country.

Subsequently, the Central Supreme Governing Board of the Kingdom was created, with representatives from the provinces, including Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. The Count of Floridablanca presided over it, and its aim was to organize the fight against the French king and to assume executive power.

This Central Board would convene a committee to draft the first constitutional text made in Spain. Later, the Central Board transferred authority to a regency, which undertook to exercise executive power.

Guerrilla Warfare and the Three Stages of War

Moreover, the guerrilla struggle involved the direct participation of the people in the conflict.

The war is divided into three stages:

• Initial Resistance: The Spanish army initially halted the French advance, and the French defeat led to the flight from Madrid, including King José I.
• French Victories: Napoleon conquered Madrid, and his troops moved south.
• End of the War: The Spanish-English offensive culminated in victories, leading to the withdrawal of Napoleon's troops.

Treaty of Valençay

At the end of 1813, the Treaty of Valençay was signed, guaranteeing Ferdinand VII's return to Spain.