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Updated 25 Feb 2026
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Peninsular Wars: France, Spain, and Portugal 1807 - A Kid's Guide
James
@jamesthompson
1 / 3
Fuentes de Oñoro and the Sieges of 1812
The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in 1811 marked a turning point in Wellington's campaign. His confidence had been boosted by the success of Torres Vedras, and he was considering launching an offensive to relieve Almeida from French control.
The battle began with a French offensive against British troops. Wellington employed the tactic of forming squares to protect against cavalry attacks. Infantry with bayonets would form ranks in squares, with all soldiers facing outwards.
Vocabulary: Formation of squares - A defensive infantry tactic used to repel cavalry charges, where soldiers form a hollow square with outward-facing ranks.
The battle lasted three days and ended with a bayonet fight in the village. While the French were forced to retreat, few were captured. Wellington's army suffered from a lack of supplies, siege equipment, and sickness.
In 1812, Wellington launched his first major offensive, attacking the fortresses at Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. These sieges resulted in weeks of fighting and, unfortunately, led to looting, killing, and other atrocities against townspeople.
Highlight: The capture of Badajoz was particularly costly, with Wellington losing nearly 5,000 men. He wept when he saw the piles of dead soldiers.
The sieges of Almeida, Ciudad Rodrigo, and Badajoz were all successful, with the British capturing these key fortresses. The control of Badajoz was especially important as it secured lines of communication to Lisbon, the main base of the British army.
Salamanca, Vitoria, and Waterloo
The Battle of Salamanca in 1812 was a pivotal moment in the Peninsular War. Wellington demonstrated his tactical brilliance by using hills to shield his army and take the French by surprise. His personal involvement was notable:
- He went for days without sleep, often napping with a newspaper over his face.
- He was almost constantly present in the saddle, directing troops.
The result of Salamanca was significant, with British forces entering Madrid and Wellington becoming a national hero.
Following the success at Salamanca, Wellington spent the winter of 1812 reinforcing and reorganizing his army. Meanwhile, Napoleon had declared war on Russia and recalled many troops from Spain to support his Russian campaign.
The final major battle of the Peninsular War was the Battle of Vitoria in 1813, which effectively ended French control in Spain.
The war culminated in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, though this took place after the official end of the Peninsular War. Wellington famously described Waterloo as "the nearest run thing you ever saw in your life."
Quote: "The nearest run thing you ever saw in your life" - Wellington on the Battle of Waterloo
At Waterloo, the forces were closely matched:
- British had 68,000 men and 156 guns
- French had 72,000 men and 246 guns
Wellington needed to hold out for Prussian reinforcements under Blücher to secure victory.
Highlight: The Peninsular War significantly weakened French control in Spain and Portugal, contributing to Napoleon's eventual downfall and the victory of Britain and its allies in 1814.
The Start of the Peninsular Wars
The Peninsular War began in 1807 when France and Spain signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau, planning to invade and divide Portugal. French troops led by General Junot entered Portugal, prompting Portugal to request British assistance. In July 1808, British forces under Wellington arrived in Portugal and defeated the French at Rolica and Vimeiro.
Highlight: The French occupation of Spain, their former ally, led to Napoleon forcing the Spanish royal family to abdicate and replacing them with his brother, Joseph Bonaparte.
Wellington's troops advanced into Spain, facing 46,000 French soldiers at the Battle of Talavera in 1809. This battle was significant for several reasons:
- It demonstrated that Portugal was a more reliable ally than Spain, which had been occupied by France.
- It led to the retraining of the Portuguese army to integrate with British forces in 1810.
- It highlighted the importance of secure supply lines, with Wellington having Royal Navy support from Lisbon.
Example: Wellington built massive defense lines known as Torres Vedras, consisting of 156 fortifications with 648 cannons, constructed between 1809 and 1812 in Portugal.
Wellington employed several key tactics during the Peninsular War:
- Rearguard action: A defensive tactic using a small group of soldiers to hold off pursuing enemies while the main army withdraws.
- Reverse slope defense: Positioning infantry on the reverse slope of a hill, out of sight and with some protection from cannon fire.
- Scorched earth: Denying resources to the enemy by destroying them.
Definition: Torres Vedras was a series of 156 fortifications with 648 cannons, constructed between 1809 and 1812 in Portugal to defend against French advances.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Peninsular Wars: France, Spain, and Portugal 1807 - A Kid's Guide
James
@jamesthompson
The Peninsular Wars between France, Spain, and Portugal from 1807 onwards were a crucial part of the Napoleonic Wars. Wellington's tactics at battles like Talavera and Fuentes de Onoro proved instrumental in the Allied victory. The impact of... Show more
Fuentes de Oñoro and the Sieges of 1812
The Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro in 1811 marked a turning point in Wellington's campaign. His confidence had been boosted by the success of Torres Vedras, and he was considering launching an offensive to relieve Almeida from French control.
The battle began with a French offensive against British troops. Wellington employed the tactic of forming squares to protect against cavalry attacks. Infantry with bayonets would form ranks in squares, with all soldiers facing outwards.
Vocabulary: Formation of squares - A defensive infantry tactic used to repel cavalry charges, where soldiers form a hollow square with outward-facing ranks.
The battle lasted three days and ended with a bayonet fight in the village. While the French were forced to retreat, few were captured. Wellington's army suffered from a lack of supplies, siege equipment, and sickness.
In 1812, Wellington launched his first major offensive, attacking the fortresses at Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. These sieges resulted in weeks of fighting and, unfortunately, led to looting, killing, and other atrocities against townspeople.
Highlight: The capture of Badajoz was particularly costly, with Wellington losing nearly 5,000 men. He wept when he saw the piles of dead soldiers.
The sieges of Almeida, Ciudad Rodrigo, and Badajoz were all successful, with the British capturing these key fortresses. The control of Badajoz was especially important as it secured lines of communication to Lisbon, the main base of the British army.
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Salamanca, Vitoria, and Waterloo
The Battle of Salamanca in 1812 was a pivotal moment in the Peninsular War. Wellington demonstrated his tactical brilliance by using hills to shield his army and take the French by surprise. His personal involvement was notable:
- He went for days without sleep, often napping with a newspaper over his face.
- He was almost constantly present in the saddle, directing troops.
The result of Salamanca was significant, with British forces entering Madrid and Wellington becoming a national hero.
Following the success at Salamanca, Wellington spent the winter of 1812 reinforcing and reorganizing his army. Meanwhile, Napoleon had declared war on Russia and recalled many troops from Spain to support his Russian campaign.
The final major battle of the Peninsular War was the Battle of Vitoria in 1813, which effectively ended French control in Spain.
The war culminated in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, though this took place after the official end of the Peninsular War. Wellington famously described Waterloo as "the nearest run thing you ever saw in your life."
Quote: "The nearest run thing you ever saw in your life" - Wellington on the Battle of Waterloo
At Waterloo, the forces were closely matched:
- British had 68,000 men and 156 guns
- French had 72,000 men and 246 guns
Wellington needed to hold out for Prussian reinforcements under Blücher to secure victory.
Highlight: The Peninsular War significantly weakened French control in Spain and Portugal, contributing to Napoleon's eventual downfall and the victory of Britain and its allies in 1814.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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The Start of the Peninsular Wars
The Peninsular War began in 1807 when France and Spain signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau, planning to invade and divide Portugal. French troops led by General Junot entered Portugal, prompting Portugal to request British assistance. In July 1808, British forces under Wellington arrived in Portugal and defeated the French at Rolica and Vimeiro.
Highlight: The French occupation of Spain, their former ally, led to Napoleon forcing the Spanish royal family to abdicate and replacing them with his brother, Joseph Bonaparte.
Wellington's troops advanced into Spain, facing 46,000 French soldiers at the Battle of Talavera in 1809. This battle was significant for several reasons:
- It demonstrated that Portugal was a more reliable ally than Spain, which had been occupied by France.
- It led to the retraining of the Portuguese army to integrate with British forces in 1810.
- It highlighted the importance of secure supply lines, with Wellington having Royal Navy support from Lisbon.
Example: Wellington built massive defense lines known as Torres Vedras, consisting of 156 fortifications with 648 cannons, constructed between 1809 and 1812 in Portugal.
Wellington employed several key tactics during the Peninsular War:
- Rearguard action: A defensive tactic using a small group of soldiers to hold off pursuing enemies while the main army withdraws.
- Reverse slope defense: Positioning infantry on the reverse slope of a hill, out of sight and with some protection from cannon fire.
- Scorched earth: Denying resources to the enemy by destroying them.
Definition: Torres Vedras was a series of 156 fortifications with 648 cannons, constructed between 1809 and 1812 in Portugal to defend against French advances.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user