Challenges to the Empire: Peninsular War + Austria 1809

What were Napoleon's biggest mistakes?

His actions in Spain and in Portugal-- BOTH were linked to NB wanting to impose the Continental Blockade

Which war was a direct consequence of the Continental Blockade?

The Peninsular War-- 1807-1814

Why did NB want so badly to include Portugal in the Continental Blockade?

Because Portugal was a key trading partner and ally to Britain -- Portugal was essential to world trade

When did NB successfully, with the help of Spain, subjugate Portugal, allowing the imposition of the Continental Blockade?

Nov 1807-- Portugal subjugated and governor Jean-Andoche placed in charge

What showed Portugal's opposition to Napoleon's invasion of the nation?

There were popular anti-French riots in Lisbon triggered by Jean-Andoche changing the flag

What made NB appear tyrannical in Portugal?

Jean-Andoche, on NB's orders, used unorthodox methods to put down anti-French riots in Lisbon, bringing in the calvary to put it down with violence

How did the French occupation of Portugal end?

The British stepped in to defence Portugal, bringing in the British army which defeated the French and restored Portugal-- then the Convention of Sinatra finalises the end of French occupation

Which convention ended NB's campaign in Portugal?

The Convention of Sinatra in which France had peace dictated to them, forcing them to leave Portugal-- this is deeply embarrassing for NB

How long was France in Portugal for?

From 1807-1808, they don't even last over a year

What was the duration of the Peninsular War like?

It was from 1807-1814-- the longest lasting military campaign under NB-- this means it drains lots of resources and money

When did NB create a Kingdom of Spain?

1808-- here NB forces the abdication of the Spanish King and replaced him with Joseph (moved from Naples)

The ______ formed from all sectors of Spanish society immediately opposed the authority of Joseph Bonaparte after 1808

Junta resistance committees

Where did the Juntas spread/have influence in other French territories?

They spread to Portugal to prevent French resurgence there and they inspired resistance in Austria

How long did France occupy Spain for during the Peninsular War?

1807-1814-- puts up the most resistance, 'Spanish Ulcer'

Who was sent to Spain to put down resistance there? How did this make NB appear a tyrant?

Murat was sent to put down the unrest of the Juntas-- He used great military power to put down Spain

During France's campaign in Spain, _____ Spanish civilians were publicly executed in retaliation to the killing of ____ French generals

100 civilians vs 31 generals

How were the Juntas able to defeat the French army at Baylen?

They undermined NB's typical military techniques through using guerrila warfare to play on their knowledge of the Spanish terrain-- the French eventually retreat to the North (worlds strongest army being defeated by peasant rebels)

Why was NB forced to personally enter into Spain with 100,000 troops from the Grande Armee?

Joseph Bonaparte abandoned Madrid due to the resistance

During what period was France able to reassert its authority in Spain and how?

1809-1810 France successfully restores some authority in Spain, NB returns with the army and defeats the Spaniards, retaking Madrid

Why was NB forced to leave Spain in 1809, without leaving proper leadership there?

Austria was becoming an increasing threat-- he left Spain in the hands of Joseph who had already proven himself unfit for this role

How did Spain take advantage of Napoleon's departure in 1809?

They took this opportunity to seek support from Britain-- this helps them to defeat France with more military strength

When was the French army decisively defeated by Spain at the Battle of Vitoria and why?

In June 1813 France was defeated at Vitoria because the British and the Junta partnered together + because NB left the French army without adequate leadership

When was the Battle of Vitoria and what was its signficance?

June 1813-- this secured Spain's victory against France in the Peninsular War

How was the Peninsular War damaging for France and NB?

-It was long-lasting meaning to ate up resources and time

-It was demoralising for the French army in Spain and elsewhere

-There were a lot of French deaths

-It eroded French prestige globally/its ability to handle the Empire was challenged

-NB no longer appears an enlightened global liberator

What was NB's one military/imperial success after 1808?

In Austria in 1809

Why did Austria re-enter war against France in 1809?

They were inspired by the resistance of the Juntas and were unhappy with the Treaty of Pressburg + Austria had new and better military command due to Archduke Charles

How long did NB's 1809 campaign in Austria last and was it successful?

It only lasted 2 months and it ended up a French victory-- it was not easy yet France is successful

Although France's quick and easy victory against Austria was a success, how was this still an indication of NB's poor leadership?

The fact that he left Spain to deal with this showed that he far overestimated the threat of Austria, whereas he could have and should have given more attention to Spain

How did NB further undermined French efforts in Spain during his campaign in Austria?

He took veteran troops from Spain and brought them to Austria after French defeat at Aspern-Essling-- less manpower and expertise in Spain

Which treaty ended the campaign in Austria, dictating peace to them?

The Treaty of Schonbrunn

When was the Treaty of Schonbrunn and its significance?

1809-- this officially ended the campaign against Austria

Which successful methods were used against France in Spain during the Peninsular War?

Scorched earth (undermined living off the land) and guerrilla warfare

What was the size and nature of the British army in Spain?

Only 30,000 men! -- yet they have better leadership under Wellesley and they have better supplies/weapons, using well-trained gunsmen

How much did the Peninsular War cost?

3 billion francs

How many French troops were killed in the Peninsular War?

Around 300,000

By 1811, what was the value of British exports entering Europe through Portuguese ports?

£6 million-- shows NB was unsuccessful with the main aim of the Peninsular War: imposing the Continental Blockade

Where was NB's biggest military achievement in the 1809 Austrian campaign?

The Battle of Wagram was NB's greatest success in this short war

How did the aftermath of French success in Austria help Napoleon politically?

He entered a marriage alliance with Austria in 1810-- helps his global power