Battle of Vimeiro-Pennisular War

HistoryCentral · Primary Source & History

In March of 1808, the French sent 100,000 troops into Spain under the pretext of guarding the coast of Spain against the British. A popular uprising developed in Spain against the French, forcing French troops to withdraw behind the Ebro. The French returned in force and reoccupied Madrid in July. Meanwhile the British sent a expiditionary force to Portugal. They defeated the French at the battle of Vimeiro on August 21, 1808. In the aftermath of the battle the French agreed to withdraw from Portugal