Spain’s War of Independence (1808-1814): From French Alliance to National Uprising
Spain’s War of Independence (1808-1814)
From French Alliance to National Uprising
Charles IV and his minister, Floridablanca, sought to insulate Spain from the French Revolution through strict censorship and border control. Following a brief period under the Count of Aranda, Manuel Godoy was appointed minister in 1792, becoming a key figure for the remainder of Charles IV’s reign.
The execution of Louis XVI in 1793 led to the breakdown of the Spanish-French alliance. Spain joined an international coalition, participating in the War of the Convention, but was swiftly defeated. The resulting Peace of Basel saw Spain lose Santo Domingo and realign with France against England through the Treaty of San Ildefonso (1796).
With Napoleon’s rise in 1799 and Godoy’s weak government, Spain became increasingly reliant on French foreign policy, leading to conflict with England. Despite victory over Portugal in the War of the Oranges (1801) and the annexation of Olivenza, the Franco-Spanish fleet suffered a disastrous defeat at Trafalgar in 1805.
Despite these setbacks, Godoy signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau (1807), allowing French troops into Spain to invade Portugal. Godoy faced mounting criticism due to the naval defeat at Trafalgar, the economic crisis, and declining trade with America. The nobility and clergy resented Godoy’s favoritism and proposed confiscation of church property.
Opposition coalesced around the Prince of Asturias (future Ferdinand VII), who aimed to oust Godoy and potentially his father. The French occupation became evident, prompting Godoy to plan the royal family’s escape to Andalusia. However, the Mutiny of Aranjuez on March 19, 1808, led to Godoy’s downfall and Charles IV’s abdication in favor of Ferdinand VII.
The War of Independence and Political Revolution
Napoleon summoned Ferdinand VII and Charles IV to Bayonne, forcing them to abdicate in favor of his brother, Joseph Bonaparte (Bayonne Abdications). Joseph I issued the Statute of Bayonne, granting limited rights. Popular unrest erupted on May 2, 1808, in Madrid, sparking the War of Independence (1808-1814).
The power vacuum led to the collapse of the Ancien Régime monarchy. Provincial Boards were formed, assuming sovereignty. In September 1808, they formed the Supreme Central Junta. Despite their conservative nature, the war led to revolutionary measures like convening parliament.
Spanish troops achieved victory at Baylen in July 1808. Napoleon arrived with a large army, occupying much of Spain. Guerrilla warfare ensued in remote areas. For six years, the French army, supported by “afrancesados” (French collaborators), fought against Spanish guerrillas, aided by the British army (Peninsular War).
1812 marked a turning point. Wellington’s army, with Spanish and Portuguese support, defeated the French at Salamanca and San Marcial. Following Napoleon’s losses in Russia, he returned the crown to Ferdinand VII through the Treaty of Valençay (December 1813), ending the War of Independence.