Wellesley's Campaign on the Iberian Peninsula

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  • Created by: 4NTON
  • Created on: 19-01-21 20:07

Wellington’s role in defeating the French:

Between 1808-1814, British troops were engaged in the Peninsular Wars against the French. While miniscule in comparison to Napoleon’s battles against the rest of Europe, the war was successful in keeping hundreds of thousands of troops tied down. Frequently, Napoleon would be forced to send his best marshals to fight in Spain. After 1815, Napoleon admitted his defeat could be linked to the Peninsular Wars.

The beginning of war:

·         To bring the whole of Europe into the Continental System, Napoleon sent Junot in 1807 to arrest control of the Iberian Peninsula.

·         In April 1808, many Spanish cities were taken in order to support Junot. Joseph Bonaparte was installed as the King of Spain.

·         This was a fatal blunder as Spain had no wish to be governed by French rule. This prompted local juntas to raise arms and rebel.

·         By now, Junot had reached Portugal and was cut off from France by the situation in Spain.

·         In June 1808, rebellion broke out and Junot’s power shrank to the vicinity of Lisbon – perfect for the British to deal a blow on the French Army.

Portugal 1808:

 

·         9000 men under the command of Wellesley were ordered to the Peninsula. He left ahead on a fast frigate and after being assured by the junta at Corunna that Spain could hold out, he landed his forces in Portugal.

·         The force was reinforced with 5000 men at Mondego Bay with 15,000 more due to arrive. Due to the size of the force, the Duke of York allocated chief command to officers outranking Wellesley.

·         Three officers were sent. Sir John Moore (Whig) was popular in the military but despised by the government. Thus Sir Hew Dalrymple was appointed command, having seen active service once. A Tory with similar experience Burrard was second in rank.

The Battle of Vimeiro:

 

·         To use his command before his superiors arrived, Wellesley marched on Lisbon on the 10th of August. Of 25,000 of Junot’s men, 10,000 had to defend Lisbon and so 15,000 would face British forces.

·         On the 17th of August, the British won the Battle of Rolica by driving 5000 enemy from a strong position. Wellesley kept marching south and was reinforced at Vimeiro by 4000 troops. Burrard had arrived but chose to sleep on his ship. In the meantime, Wellesley received news of Junot advancing with 14,000 men.

·         Burrard still remained at sea and so the British did battle without him. Wellesley held the high ground and his light infantry kept the tirailleurs at bay.

·         Using a reverse slope tactic, the force was largely protected from artillery fire and decimated the French columns as they emerged over the hill.

·         As the British advanced, Junot’s force was driven back and in a state of general retreat. Burrard refused to let Wellesley pursue the…

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