Generals and Napoleon
Generals and Napoleon
John W. Viscardo
Episode 167 - Battle of Ocana, Spain's greatest defeat in the Peninsula War, with special guest Josh Provan
42 minutes Posted Jul 18, 2026 at 10:55 am.
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Show notes

The Battle of Ocaña, fought on November 19, 1809, was one of the most decisive and devastating battles of the Peninsular War. In this episode, special guest & author Josh Provan will examine how King Joseph Bonaparte and Marshal Soult led French forces to a crushing victory over General Juan Carlos de Aréizaga's Spanish army.


Despite holding a numerical advantage, the Spanish army suffered a catastrophic defeat as superior French cavalry, artillery, and battlefield coordination shattered their lines. The loss destroyed Spain's largest field army and opened the road to the French conquest of Andalusia, dramatically altering the course of the war.


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