Show notes
This episode explores the early 1810 phase of the Peninsular War, focusing on the strategic movements of Wellington, Napoleon, and the Spanish resistance. It highlights the sieges, political upheavals, and military decisions shaping Spain and Portugal's fight for independence. From the formation of the Cortes, to the fractious situation in Spain's colonies, from Napoleon's vision for the future of Portugal, to the devastating French invasion of Andalusia, this episode lays the foundation for the rest of the Peninsular War.Chapters00:00 The State of the Peninsula War06:12 Wellington's Strategy and Morale12:09 The French Invasion and Political Shifts27:07 The Rise of the Cortes and Spanish Politics33:27 Formation of a Government Under Siege40:00 The Political Landscape of Occupied Spain43:56 Colonial Responses to the Napoleonic Wars51:14 Napoleon's Distractions and Strategic Decisions57:11 The Siege of Theodor Rodrigo: A Case StudykeywordsPeninsular War, Wellington, Napoleon, Spanish Resistance, Sieges, 1810, Spain, Portugal, Military Strategy, Spanish PoliticsThe Generals by Ian Dale - https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/the-generals-by-iain-dale-coming-september-2024Josh Provan's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/joshua-provan.phpZack's books: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/zack-white.php