History Lesson 15
Las Guerras de Napoleón y sus Efectos – The Napoleonic Wars and their Effects
While it may seem odd to discuss Napoleon and the French as we study Spanish and Latin American history, they are really very closely connected. It was the Napoleonic takeover of Spain that really spurred the revolutions and the struggle for independence in the Americas. Obviously, it also had a profound impact on Spain!
This period of history is where the term “guerrilla warfare” comes from. When the French took over Spain, the armed forces and the citizens organized themselves in secret to carry out “la guerrilla” — the “little war.” Rather than trying to overwhelm their enemies in open battle, they used ambush, surprise attacks and sabotage as their main tactics. The Spaniards didn’t invent this type of resistance, but they did provide our modern name for it.
How to Use This Page:
1. Listen to the audio as you read along with the Spanish on the left.
2. Open the English translation, and read the two side-by-side, making sure you understand the Spanish.
3. Close the English, and listen to the audio again, reading along in Spanish.
4. Close the Spanish, and listen once more. Maybe shut your eyes, and just try to catch as much as you can.
1. Why did the Spanish Armada fight with France against England, their former ally, at the Battle of Trafalgar?
2. How did Napoleon take over Spain with little initial resistance?
3. What strategic decision on Napoleon’s part began his downfall and led to the Coalition recapturing Spain?