TIME to wake up to change in UK by Ignorant MP´s

D A T E

“The PENINSULA WAR“

"Spanish WAR of INDEPENDENCE”

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Spain was ruled by weak, split cliques, under a King Carlos IV and a Buonapartist politician Godoy. Napoleon was antagonised by Portugal – long-known as an ally of the UK – which was resisting importation regulations of Napoleon´s Europe.

1 Dec

Gen. Junot (N) in Portugal, occupies Lisbon – exiling the Royal Family (who appeal to the UK). UK apparently does little, but considering that Spain & Portugal is a likely area to fight Napoleon.

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Jan/Mar

Political strife in Spain between Fernando and Godoy. Spain momentarily free of French army occupying Portugal.

19 Mar

Carlos IV abdicates to put Fernando VII on the throne. Napoleon is displeased.

24 Mar

Marechal Murat (N) enters Madrid with a large army.

25 Mar

Fernando VII also enters Madrid. But Murat (N) forces Carlos to refute the abdication in a queasy letter to Napoleon.

April

The machinations of Murat force Carlos and Fernando to go to meet Napoleon in Bayonne, France. Fernando is forced to abdicate, allowing Carlos back on the throne.

The major presence of the French army is regarded as an army of occupation by large numbers of the population. However, that army is only apparent to the citizens of Madrid – it is not present in major cities of Spain.

Godoy supports the Buonapartists and allows Napoleon to depose Carlos IV in favour of brother Joseph Buonapart.

MAY 2

Furious crowds hostile to the French, gather in the plazas and streets of Madrid.

French troops fire on the crowds. Spanish troops not given specific commands to interfere. Major killing continues in the streets, and people put in custody.

May 3

French firing squads kill the imprisoned people. Subject of famous terrible painting by Francisco Goya.

May

News of the uprising sent to the other cities of Spain. Cadiz, in particular is opposed to the Godoy Government.

May 9

The Asturias region is active against the situation, and in Oviedo the people raid the armory for weapons. The authorities there declare war against Napoleon.

May 24

There, a “National Meeting” formed an army of resistance, and requested assistence from the UK.  The major cities, still not affected by the occupation, followed suit.

June

The Buonapartists react by sending troops to the cities – but guerrilla warfare starts against them:-

June 6

- In Valdepeñas.

June 14

Then Napoleon organises a “Spanish Government” ally in Bayonne, France.

June 15

A constitution is drawn up by that Government which proclaims Joseph as the King of Spain and King of Naples (The Two Sicilies).

JULY

Gen. Dupont (N) sacks CORDOBA and JAEN. (several days!)

July 14

Resistance in Rioseco. Gen. Arthur Wellesley leaves Cork with army batallions.

July 18

A French army under Dupont then leaves Adujar for Bailen.

July 19

The Battle of BAILEN, Spanish Gen. Castaños (Resistance) defeats the French forces.

July 20

King Jose enters Madrid, to a hostile population under repression of Godoy.

In the meantime, an army of Scots and Irish Guards Infantry lands in A Coruña under Gen. Arthur Wellesley. The Government of Galicia did not require its assistance and directed them to Portugal.

July 22

Bailen gets a truce signed. Much trophies stolen by the French were recovered.

July 30

Reinforcement army sent from the UK under Gens. Sir John Moore and Sir Hew Dalrymple (15,000 extra).

Aug 1

Wellesley arrives at Coimbra, Portugal. Discusses situation with Free Portuguese.

August

Wellesley lands in Mondego Bay, Portugal. He orders Gen. Spencer to send reinforcements. Gen. Junot (N) has a large army of occupation scattered around Portugal, so Wellesley estimates that only about 18,000 French/Spanish were available to fight. There are now four major Generals in command of the UK troops?

Aug 5

Troops now camped and Gen. Spencer arrives.

Aug 8

UK army advances to objective Leiria, Portugal.

Aug 12

UK army reinforced by Portuguese troops under Gen. Freire, who declined to attack Lisbon – but, nevertheless permitted some troops to accompany Col. Nicholas Trant.

August

Gen. Junot (N) planned interception by troops under Gen. Delaborde (N)

Aug 17

Engagement followed at Rolica, Portugal. In spite of his advantage in numbers, Wellesley only inflicted superficial damage.

Aug 18

Wellesley retreated to the coast at Vimeiro, Potugal, to provide cover for disembarcation of more UK troops.

Aug 20

UK HQ in quandary over extra troops expected to arrive under Gen Sir John Moore.

Aug 21

Gen. Junot (N) attacks the British. Wellesley´s tactics won the day – with Wellesley wishing to pursue the French. Sir Harry Barrard intervened to have the British stay in Vimeiro. Also, Gen. Sir Hew Dalrymple arrived to set up a truce with the French.

Aug 22

At CINTRA, Portugal, Wellesley agrees reluctantly to sign off the armistice along with the other British Generals. Wellesley made known his objections – but no attention paid to them. He declined advice to go elsewhere!

Aug 31

The French under Gen. Lefebvre (N) raze ZARAGOZA.

Sept 25

At Aranjuez a resistance “Supreme Government” meets.

Oct 1

Madrid establishes Spanish (Resistance) armies in four regions.

Oct 6

Wellesley arrives back in the UK – much criticised for the strange truce.

Oct 27

Gen. Sir Hew Dalrymple arrives in Salamanca.

Nov 8

Napoleon enters Spain with many troops and severally defeats the Spanish armies :-

Nov 10

Battles of Espinosa, Gamonal or Burgos.

Nov 23

Marshall Jean Lannes(N) wins Battle of Tudela. He conquered the resistance at the Sierra of Guadarrama – with cooperation of the Polish cavalry. (Historia 16).

Nov 30

Battle of Somosierra. Napoleon´s army confronted the Spanish resistance.

Dec 2

Napoleon enters Chamartin.

Dec 16

Battle of Llinas or Cardedeu

Dec 20

Napoleon and Jose enter MADRID.

Dec 21

Battle of Molins de Rey

Dec 22

UK court of enquiry clears Wellesley of the participation. He was awarded many tributes.