The French occupied Spain from 1808-1814.
A more detailed response to your request
The French occupation of Spain began in 1808 during the Napoleonic Wars and lasted until 1814, when the Spanish forces, along with British assistance, were able to expel the French from the country.
During the French occupation, Spain was subjected to a number of reforms and changes, some of which were unpopular with the Spanish people. For example, the French introduced the Napoleonic Code, which replaced the Spanish legal system. They also abolished the Spanish Inquisition and introduced new taxes.
One of the most famous events of the French occupation was the Dos de Mayo Uprising in Madrid in 1808. This was a popular uprising against the French troops, led by the Spanish people, that was brutally suppressed by the French.
Interestingly, the French occupation of Spain also had an impact on the development of the Spanish language. The French introduced many words and phrases into the Spanish language, some of which are still used today. For example, the word “chalé” (villa) comes from the French word “chalet”.
As the famous Spanish author Javier Marías has said: “The Spanish people had to endure a French occupation, which sparked a popular uprising that was ultimately successful in restoring Spanish sovereignty.”
Here is a table summarizing the key events and dates of the French occupation of Spain:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1808 | French troops invade Spain |
| Dos de Mayo Uprising | |
| 1809 | Spanish resistance forces established |
| 1810 | French introductions of the Napoleonic Code |
| 1812 | Spanish forces win Battle of Salamanca |
| 1813 | Major defeats for the French in Spain |
| 1814 | French forces withdraw from Spain |
Overall, the French occupation of Spain was a significant event in Spanish history that had an impact on Spanish language and culture. While it was a difficult period for the Spanish people, it ultimately led to a renewed sense of patriotism and the restoration of Spanish sovereignty.
Video answer to “How long did the French occupy Spain?”
The video discusses Napoleon’s invasion of Spain in 1808, which resulted in disaster for the French. Despite being supported by Spain, Napoleon viewed the country as weak and planned to take control. The Spanish people did not welcome the French and a brutal crackdown resulted in atrocities that inspired Francisco Goya’s Disaster of War series. Despite some early successes, the French were ultimately defeated in battles like Bailén and could not gain control of Spain. Napoleon viewed the invasion as a strategic move toward defeating the British, but a strong British army in Salamanca forced the French into a dangerous retreat in harsh winter conditions. Despite impressive fighting skills, the French were ultimately unable to catch up to the British. The transcript excerpt describes the aftermath of the Battle of Corunna, where the British were able to successfully evacuate their troops and escape from the French. Regardless of the retreat being a disaster or a miracle escape, the British army was able to return and fight another day, while Napoleon was faced with the possibility of renewed conflict with Austria, which could weaken his empire.
Other methods of responding to your inquiry
On , French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain under the pretext of sending reinforcements to the French army occupying Portugal. This began the Peninsular War, which was fought between France and much of Europe between 1792 and 1815. The war started in Spain with the Dos de Mayo Uprising on 2 May 1808 and ended on 17 April 1814 with the restoration of Ferdinand VII to the monarchy. The French occupation destroyed the Spanish administration, which fragmented into quarrelling provincial juntas.
On , under the pretext of sending reinforcements to the French army occupying Portugal, French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain. Thus began the Peninsular War, an important phase of the Napoleonic Wars that was fought between France and much of Europe between 1792 and 1815.
The war started in Spain with the Dos de Mayo Uprising on 2 May 1808 and ended on 17 April 1814 with the restoration of Ferdinand VII to the monarchy. The French occupation destroyed the Spanish administration, which fragmented into quarrelling provincial juntas.
More interesting on the topic
By 1808, Napoleon had installed his brother Joseph as the king of Spain and sent 118,000 soldiers across into Spain to insure his rule. Determined to bend the Spanish people to his will, he had decided to make Spain a part of his empire. He imagined they would be welcomed.