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| The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001. |
| 1808–14 | |
| THE PENINSULAR WAR. | 1 |
| 1808, March | |
| Spain was invaded by 100,000 French troops under the pretext of guarding the coasts against the British. Charles IV abdicated in favor of his son Ferdinand, and both then renounced the throne. Napoleon named his brother Joseph as king of Spain, which prompted a popular uprising of the Spaniards that included growing nationalism and used forms of guerrilla warfare. The British landed in Portugal, under Sir Arthur Wellesley (later duke of Wellington), and defeated the French under Junot at Vimeiro (Aug. 21). | 2 |
| Sept. 18 | |
| Napoleon reinforced the alliance between France and Russia at Erfurt and then proceeded to Spain. | 3 |
| Dec. 13 | |
| Madrid capitulated to Napoleon; he forced the British, advancing from Portugal under Moore, to retreat. Soult succeeded Napoleon in command. | 4 |
| The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. | |
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