Blockade of Barcelona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blockade of Barcelona |
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| Part of the Peninsular War | |||||||
 French troops being bombarded by English ships at Barcelona, November, 1808 (Pronostich catala historic, geografic, astronomic, instructiu y religios per lo any 1847) |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 French Empire |
 Kingdom of Spain |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Guillaume Duhesme |
Joan Miquel de Vives |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 8,000 infantry 1,400 cavalry |
19,551 infantry 780 cavalry |
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The Blockade of Barcelona was an important event during the Peninsular War. It happened from August to December 1808. During this time, Spanish soldiers tried to take back the city of Barcelona from French control. However, their efforts were not successful, and the French kept the city.
Contents
Why the Blockade Happened
French Control of Barcelona
French troops, led by General Guillaume Philibert Duhesme, took control of Barcelona on February 29, 1808. This was part of Napoleon Bonaparte's plan to expand his empire across Europe.
Spain's Uprising Against France
A big uprising against the French happened in Madrid on May 2, 1808. This event is known as the Dos de Mayo Uprising. Soon after, Napoleon made the Spanish king, Ferdinand VII of Spain, give up his crown. Napoleon then put his own brother, Joseph Bonaparte, in charge of Spain.
Girona Blocks French Supply Routes
Even though the French held Barcelona, the Spanish-controlled city of Girona was a problem. Girona blocked the main road that connected Barcelona to Perpignan in France. This road was important for the French to get supplies and more soldiers. General Duhesme tried to capture Girona twice in 1808, but he failed both times.
The Blockade Begins
Spanish Forces Arrive
On July 23, 1808, a Spanish leader called the Marquis of Del Palacio arrived in Tarragona. He brought many Spanish soldiers with him. At this time, only about 3,500 Swiss and Italian soldiers were defending Barcelona for the French. These troops were led by General Lecchi.
Surrender of Mongat Castle
On July 31, the last French outpost outside Barcelona, Mongat Castle, surrendered to the Spanish. With Mongat gone, the Spanish could completely surround Barcelona. This marked the start of the blockade.
Blockade Turns into a Siege
After failing to capture Girona for the second time, General Duhesme returned to Barcelona on August 20. With more French soldiers now inside the city, the blockade became a full siege. This meant the Spanish were not just blocking supplies, but actively trying to capture the city.
French Help Arrives
General St. Cyr's March
On November 5, a French general named St. Cyr began marching towards Barcelona. He had a very large army of over 23,000 soldiers. His goal was to break the Spanish blockade and help the French troops stuck in Barcelona.
French Victories
General St. Cyr first laid siege to Roses, another Spanish city. He captured Roses on December 5, 1808. Then, on December 16, his forces won an important battle at Cardadeu. Finally, on December 21, St. Cyr defeated the Spanish army again at the Battle of Molins de Rei. These victories forced the Spanish army from Catalonia to retreat, ending their blockade of Barcelona.
See also
- Sieges of Barcelona
- Timeline of the Peninsular War
