Battle of Alcolea Bridge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Alcolea Bridge
Part of the Peninsular War
Location in Spain
Date 7 June 1808 Location Alcolea, near Córdoba, Spain 37°55′55″N 4°40′23″W / 37.932°N 4.673°W / 37.932; -4.673 Result French victory
Belligerents
First French Empire	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Pierre Dupont	Pedro Echávarri
Strength
18,000	3,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Alcolea Bridge was a small but important fight that happened on June 7, 1808. It was part of the Peninsular War, a big conflict where Spain fought against France and its leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. This battle took place near a village called Alcolea, which is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city of Córdoba in Spain.

Why the Battle Happened

The Dos de Mayo Uprising in May 1808 showed that many Spanish people did not want French rule. This uprising caused a lot of trouble for the French army in Spain. General Pierre Dupont de l'Étang was a French commander. He was leading about 18,000 French soldiers from Toledo towards Cádiz. His goal was to control the southern part of Spain, especially the region of Andalusia.

The Fight at Alcolea

General Dupont's journey was not easy. Spanish fighters, called guerrilleros, kept attacking his troops along the way. These attacks happened in the mountains of the Sierra Morena and a narrow pass called Despeñaperros. However, Dupont faced his first big battle against regular Spanish soldiers at Alcolea.

At Alcolea, about 3,000 Spanish soldiers, along with some armed civilians, tried to stop the French. They set up their defense at the bridge over the Guadalquivir River. But General Dupont's army was much larger and stronger. The Spanish forces could not hold their position. They were forced to retreat towards Córdoba.

General Dupont and his troops then marched into Córdoba that same day. The French soldiers took over the city. They spent four days searching and taking things from the city.

A small group of 70 French soldiers were left behind to guard the bridge at Alcolea. Later, these soldiers were attacked and defeated by Spanish guerrillas. These local fighters were led by Juan de la Torre, who was the mayor of a nearby town called Montoro.

One of the Spanish soldiers who fought at Alcolea was Pedro Agustín Girón. He later became an important minister of war for Spain. He also said that General Echávarri, the Spanish commander at Alcolea, did not fight bravely in the battle.

What Happened Next

The Peninsular War continued after the Battle of Alcolea Bridge. The Spanish people kept fighting against the French. Another important event soon after was the Capture of the Rosily Squadron. This battle was part of the ongoing struggle for Spain's freedom from French control.

See also

• Battle of Bailén
• Timeline of the Peninsular War
• Uprising of Santa Cruz de Mudela
• Uprising of Valdepeñas