The Peninsular War 1808-14

Created by: EllieJaques29
Created on: 25-04-18 18:39


	The Peninsular War 1808-14
	Causes Continental Blockade (system) - Napoleon attempted to economically strangle Britain through the blockade. For it to be effective it had to be applied to the whole continent. Portugal refused to get involved in the blockade which caused the system to flop because all countries had to be involved for it to be effective in Napoleon's aim of weakening Britain. There wasn't enough time for it to flourish therefore it crashed. Napoleons aim to create and consolidate his empire and gain control over Britain because of its immense power, especially in the sea.	Effects WHY IT FAILED: Continental Blockade - NB's obsession with taking down Britain and his refusal to admit defeat because it showed weakness was a reason for it's failure. Guerrilla Warfare - major factor of why France was defeated. Financial Implications - the army was spread into many different countries to maintain control but it was an expensive process. Difficulties with communication - disorganised battles because they couldn't communicate different strategies. Not in a position to divide and conquer - can'tpick his enemies off one by one Spanish Ulcer - can't rely on a country that hates you Austria reigniting the war - caused a strain on France. Had to pull the army out of Portugal meaning their influence decreased. The Austrian and Russian Campaign and the War of the Sixth Coalition was also a massive factor.
	Overall summary Attempts to enforce the blockade in Spain failed when Napoleon forced his brother Joseph on the throne. They rose in a revolt in Madrid but were brutally suppressed. This led to the outbreak to the guerrilla warfare. A small French army was defeated by the Spanish and news of this spread across Europe and Napoleon took his Grande Armee to Spain. Then he had to turn his attention to the Austrians. The French faced guerrilla warfare from the Spanish, which tied down 1000s of troops which disrupted their lines of supply and communications. Furthermore they faced British armies, under Wellington, they sent aid to Portugal in 1808. French efforts to drive British out of Portugal failed 1810-11. After a series of victories at Salamanca, 1812, and VIttoria, 1813, Spain was liberated and the French were driven back over the Pyrennes.

The Peninsular War 1808-14

Causes

Continental Blockade (system) - Napoleon attempted to economically strangle Britain through the blockade. For it to be effective it had to be applied to the whole continent.
Portugal refused to get involved in the blockade which caused the system to flop because all countries had to be involved for it to be effective in Napoleon's aim of weakening Britain. There wasn't enough time for it to flourish therefore it crashed.
Napoleons aim to create and consolidate his empire and gain control over Britain because of its immense power, especially in the sea.

Effects

WHY IT FAILED:
Continental Blockade - NB's obsession with taking down Britain and his refusal to admit defeat because it showed weakness was a reason for it's failure.
Guerrilla Warfare - major factor of why France was defeated.
Financial Implications - the army was spread into many different countries to maintain control but it was an expensive process.
Difficulties with communication - disorganised battles because they couldn't communicate different strategies.
Not in a position to divide and conquer - can'tpick his enemies off one by one
Spanish Ulcer - can't rely on a country that hates you
Austria reigniting the war - caused a strain on France. Had to pull the army out of Portugal meaning their influence decreased.
The Austrian and Russian Campaign and the War of the Sixth Coalition was also a massive factor.

Overall summary

Attempts to enforce the blockade in Spain failed when Napoleon forced his brother Joseph on the throne. They rose in a revolt in Madrid but were brutally suppressed. This led to the outbreak to the guerrilla warfare. A small French army was defeated by the Spanish and news of this spread across Europe and Napoleon took his Grande Armee to Spain. Then he had to turn his attention to the Austrians. The French faced guerrilla warfare from the Spanish, which tied down 1000s of troops which disrupted their lines of supply and communications. Furthermore they faced British armies, under Wellington, they sent aid to Portugal in 1808. French efforts to drive British out of Portugal failed 1810-11. After a series of victories at Salamanca, 1812, and VIttoria, 1813, Spain was liberated and the French were driven back over the Pyrennes.

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The Peninsular War 1808-14