Kingdom of Spain (Napoleonic) facts for kids
The Kingdom of Spain (1808-1813) was a country that was ruled by France for a short time. It was created in 1808 by Napoleon, who was the Emperor of France. Napoleon took control of Spain from its old royal family, the House of Bourbon. He then made his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, the new king of Spain.
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A New King for Spain
In 1808, Napoleon, the powerful Emperor of France, decided to take over Spain. He removed the Spanish royal family, the House of Bourbon, from power. Napoleon then placed his own brother, Joseph Bonaparte, on the Spanish throne. This made Joseph the new King of Spain.
Joseph Bonaparte's Rule
King Joseph Bonaparte's government was officially based in Madrid, the capital of Spain. However, the real power and control often came from Toulouse, a city in southern France. This showed how much Napoleon still controlled Spain, even with his brother as king.
The Peninsular War
Many Spanish people did not like being ruled by a French king. They started to fight back against Napoleon's control. This fight became a big war known as the "Peninsular War." It lasted from 1808 to 1814.
Who Fought?
The Spanish people were not alone in their fight. Armies from Great Britain and Portugal joined them. Together, they fought against Napoleon's French forces. This war was a major struggle for control of Spain.
The Outcome
The strong resistance from the Spanish people, along with help from Britain and Portugal, eventually ended Napoleon's rule over Spain. This war was a key part of Spain's history and led to the return of a Spanish king.
Spain's Population
At its largest point in 1811, the Kingdom of Spain had a population of over 14 million people. To be exact, there were 14,096,235 people living in Spain at that time.
Images for kids
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Joseph I of Spain became king after Napoleon took control.
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Ferdinand VII of Spain was the king before and after Joseph Bonaparte's rule.
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The Cortes of Cádiz was a special assembly that created Spain's first constitution during the war.
See also
In Spanish: España napoleónica para niños
