The Napoleonic Wars had a significant impact on Spain, with Napoleon Bonaparte's involvement leading to a series of events known collectively as the Napoleon-in-Spain period. Here are key points regarding this historical episode:
Background
The Coup of 1808
- Napoleon tricked Charles IV and Ferdinand VII into coming to Bayonne under the pretense of mediation. There, he forced both to abdicate, placing his brother Joseph Bonaparte on the Spanish throne.
- This act led to widespread outrage and rebellion among the Spanish people, marking the beginning of the Peninsular War.
The Peninsular War
The Impact
- The war caused immense devastation in Spain, with estimates of over 300,000 Spanish casualties, alongside economic ruin and social upheaval.
- The conflict also contributed to the spread of liberalism and nationalism in Spain and across Europe, influencing future political movements.
Aftermath
- In 1813, after several defeats, Napoleon withdrew his troops from Spain.
- Ferdinand VII was restored to the Spanish throne in 1814, but his rule was marked by a return to absolutism, which led to further unrest and the Liberal Triennium.
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