Napoleonic Wars: The Peninsular War 1809 - 11

In 1809, as Napoleon fought the Austrians at Wagram, the war in Spain and Portugal continued to rage. The French had inflicted several heavy defeats on Spanish field armies, but now they faced a popular insurgency as well as a well-trained Anglo-Portuguese army led by British general Lord Wellington. The Peninsular War, as it became known, became Napoleon's 'bleeding ulcer', or his Vietnam, costing his empire nearly quarter of a million soldiers, in a war that looked increasingly unwinnable.
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📖 Bussaco 1810: Wellington Defeats Napoleon's Marshals www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/b...
📖 Fuentes de Oñoro 1811: Wellington's Liberation of Portugal www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/f...
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[@antoniosolano2480]

My great-grandmother told me when I was a child (now I am very old), that her mother told her the following: Years after that war, when in many parts of Spain they carried out works in the houses, many times they found the corpses of French soldiers buried in the houses , or on the walls. The soldiers disappeared and their companions could not locate them. That was the result of the guerrillas.

[@rubenibiricu3299]

Que edad tiene usted?

[@bvillafuerte765]

@@rubenibiricu3299 Yo creó que debe tener 80 años a más.

[@dxzts6614]

​@@bvillafuerte765 tercera edad definitivamente pero dudo que llegue a los 80. Tal vez su tatarabuelo estuvo vivo hace al menos 170 años.

[@ev6558]

Sounds like a really reliable source.

[@sebastianschmidt369]

haha@@ev6558

[@whatstuntman4876]

Now that's TWO Vietnams the French had to go through.

[@50daysago14]

Well.. Not now!

[@Itachi951000]

The other Vietnam is not a Vietnam... It's an Indochina!

[@derptrolling4740]

Mexico too.

[@blitzr2300]

@@derptrolling4740 HAHAHAHA, It is true!

[@genghiskhan5701]

THere is Algeria and Haiti so its 4 Vietnams

[@the_miracle_aligner]

***Fortunate Son in French intensifies***

[@MrPanzerDragoon]

Here you go! 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX6peomPrZelrLM

[@cudanmang_theog]

Actually the British India ELC sent a fleet pressed on Vietnamese water and blocking Vietnamese trade ships in 1808, because king Gia Long of Vietnam was allying with French mercenaries, even 400 French officials served in his court. That 1808 war was only poorly described by British sources, no mention in Vietnamese royal archives, because it might be just a minor attempt or clash or not? -The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History by Alexander Mikaberidze

[@sandran17]

'I ain't no aristocrat's son'

[@JesusFriedChrist]

_“C’est pas moi, c’est pas moi, je suis pas ton chanceux un, non.”_

[@MagicDouma]

Arriba España

[@AllTheguillerub2001]

My family was in possession of El Charro's sword before we donated it to a museum. A little fact I'm proud of

[@A-HIS]

Buena espada esa. Hizo mucho bien. ¿Donde está hoy?

[@AllTheguillerub2001]

@@A-HIS Si no me equivoco (que puede ser, no me acuerdo muy bien) está en el palacio episcopal de Salamanca. Se supone que la iban a tener expuesta en un museo pero esos planes se cancelaron y ahora está en almacenamiento indefinido

[@A-HIS]

@@AllTheguillerub2001 Es una pena. Con la de chorradas y basuras que expuestas por todas partes, esa espada podría estar en el museo provincial, o incluso en el del ejército x Gracias

[@osvaldosoto738]

Y cuando los franceses derrotaron a los hispanos en italia portugal e n los siglos 15 y16

[@Jose-mw1rr]

@@osvaldosoto738 Bueno, pues si sucedió, estará en otro video, supongo. Pero es interesante este comentario suyo. Las guerras, son y han sido miseria. En Europa, ya no tenemos que pelearnos unos con otros, según lo que digan nuestros dirigentes. Una batalla aquí, otra allá. Muerte muerte y mas muerte. Tenemos mucha suerte de poder vivir en paz. Sin enfermedades, sin hambre y sin guerras.

[@erictorres5539]

French soldier patrolling the Spanish countryside: Hon Hon hon Spanish hills: Jajajajaja *French soldier begins sweating profusely*

[@enema6222]

Alex Torres jajaja es un Napoleon coño. Arriba hermanos sacar aquellos cojones Viva España

[@smartasskickass4260]

HOL UP! SO YOU BE SAYIN?

[@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014]

XD

[@Liberation_from_the_matrix]

English soldiers coming : theh theh theh

[@esotericterrorism3308]

I don't find this funny.

[@darkmemes953]

French Soldier 1: " Jacques I don't feel good about this" French Soldier 2: "Oh GOD! the bushes are speaking Spanish." Serious PTSD

[@vicentgalvan70]

Bush: Hi, hi, hi. Come here pequeno croissant."

[@Saeronor]

French Soldier 3: "The Invisible Knight is coming!" "Trois Amis", soon in a cinema near you.

[@darkmemes953]

Edit: This is my first time getting these many like, thx.

[@audiosurfarchive]

@@darkmemes953 You ain't gotta thank people for your KZbin ™ Comment Career ® You just took a tried-and-true meme format and applied it. 🍆👌🤡✌️👏😵👏🤮👏☠️🔄

[@JuanCarlos-op7sw]

It began in July 1808, when Napoleon's troops, under General Dupont command, were defeated by a Spanish army, near Bailén city, commanded by General Castaños. It showed the world that Napelon's armies weren't invincible. Napoleon felt so furious that General Dupont lost his rank and was sent to prison until Napoleon's end.

[@fricobiano]

Overall that's a good video, but be careful as it was made from a very british point of view, I mean... It remarks the british role on the Spanish-French war, which was so important indeed, but it's also pointed too many times that Spanish army was a quite bad thing, and it wasn't: No army in all Europe could beat Grande Armée but Spain did in the great battle of Bailén in 1808 while cities like Saragosse and Girona were defending under sieges for several months, as it's told in the video. The main point to understand this situation, which is untold here, was the treaty between Spain and Napoleonic France to allow french armies to get into Spain (Fonainebleau Treaty) and rest in fortresses so french could take many places without a fight but with a huge lie. In addition, there were some points to remember in order to find out why Spanish people have some kind of hate on british still today, even a worse opinion that what Spanish have on french ones. One point is the fact that Spain and UK were at war when Napoleon invaded Iberia, so that was a weak point to start from and set up an alliance. Another point was the historical rivalry as they were the two main imperial countries in the World at that time, and it wasn't easy to forget. But the main point that I see is the fact that while UK was creating its first industrial revolution, british were trying to destroy and take all those rich Spanish colonies in order to feed the british industrial revolution; and that's why british armies in the Iberian Peninsula bombed those few Spanish factories even when there wasn't any fight against the Napoleon's armies, as Wellington did in Bejar, Salamanca or Valladolid. That was an unfair plan, the british way to do diplomacy.

[@josevicortesbravo4984]

👏🏻

[@zerizzie]

Wow great comment and additional insight. My instinct was telling me there was more to this, thank you for illuminating.

[@eduardogutierrez4175]

Bien explicado.

[@mtlewis973]

@@zerizzie of course there is more to it it’s describing a almost half a decade of history in 20 minutes?

[@ericcartman5722]

Imagine trusting the British in a war, no ally or enemy have come out in one peace after dealing with this snakes.

[@mammagon]

Its worth remembering that french army was freely stationed in spain because the were allies. Once inside like in Troy they took the power and control. There was not a proper invasion of the country through Pyrinnes there were just inside

[@Eldred15]

That is what made the Peninsula war all the more worse. The Spanish did not show any signs of aggression towards the French until the French started their "invasion". The war was just a giant drain on French resources.

[@Geep615]

Well I just learned something that's kinda odd how that must've happened

[@salviniusaugustus5541]

You're totally wrong. In the first invasion of Spain the French army was freely stationed, but they were pushed back outside Spain after Bailen. Then Napoleon led a second invasion of Spain through the Pyrenees... Did you ever watch the first video?

[@mammagon]

@@salviniusaugustus5541 What's wrong if you repeat what i said......they retreated to the north after bailen and some other successful battles but were still in spain controlling much part of it and with most of the spanish army previously dismantled. Napoleon came personally with reinforcements and a big millitary when realized the risk of having the campaign ruined and to keep control of the situation.

[@freewal]

Spain participated to the first coallition vs France. It was the payback. Plus the Bourbon family was hated by Napoleon and even by a lot of educated Spain..

[@phillip_iv_planetking6354]

Famous quote from the Peninsular war. "Handing his sword to Castaños, Dupont exclaimed, "You may well, General, be proud of this day; it is remarkable because I have never lost a pitched battle until now-I who have been in more than twenty." The Spaniard's biting reply: "It is the more remarkable because I was never in one before in my life."[66]" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bail%C3%A9n#Capitulation

[@falangecatolica4692]

Nice

[@parvuspeach]

hehe, thats badass :D meanwhile, the portuguese royal family were chilling out in Brasil :facepalm

[@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014]

Wow, jajaja, no sabia eso

[@senormonigote9487]

Damn son

[@jacktattis143]

Phillip: It was probably the Spaniards only victory for years. They were NOT a reliable ally Cuesta was a pathetic person

[@mariam2964]

Finally someone talks about the decisive role of Spain in the fall of Napoleon. So tired of Spain being blanked out from history. Of course, it depends on who´s telling the story.

[@jpmiguel]

Decisive role because Wellington and the Portuguese were right around the border and could attack any minute. If not they could hunt down the guerrilla. On the first invasion Spain helped the French attack Portugal... Again!

[@alexmartinez-bt8zm]

@@jpmiguel I agree, but even without the english, France would have had to withdraw from Spain, because as it happened in vietnam with the USA troops, it is imposible to remain in a country where almost the entire population want you out, and because how the spanish geography is, the guerrillas would have been able to carry out attacks everywhere, and in the long term the french casualities would be impossible to hold. In fact, documents say that guerrillas killed 180000 frech. In the oppossite, the spanish regular army was very disappointing

[@antonioescrichvazquez5051]

@@alexmartinez-bt8zm The best Spanish regular army troops were abroad,some of them in Denmark. The British helped Spanish army to escape back to Spain Spanish regular troops were disappointing ,but they beaten the french in Bailen for first time in an open battle for first time. And also, Spanish troops have to deal by their own against the most powerful army in Europe. And the best Spanish army(Elite) was abroad..

[@Gotterdammerung05]

@@alexmartinez-bt8zm There is little serious reason to think that the French would not have squashed the Guerrillas without the assistance they got from Britain. Using Vietnam as an example doesn't prove your point well since not only did they also receive significant outside help as well, but they actually lost the military campaign entirely and if not for the political situation in the US they would have lost the war.

[@carlesmassiaurko7761]

@@jpmiguel decisiva en retirarse por mar

[@PLS-PG]

Wellington couldn't have won without the Guerrilla and the support of the Spanish and Portuguese forces, nor they could have won without the help and leadership of the British. Those who try to discredit or underestimate the collaboration between the regular forces and the guerrillas only do so because of pride or ignorance Edit: PROPS to Epic History TV for producing such good quality videos and for being the first English speaking channel which pronounces Andalucia correctly.

[@kiboma4209]

As if Russia and Prussia did Nothing...

[@merdiolu]

@@kiboma4209 Up until 1812 they did nothing. Prussia was crushed and Russia became a temporary ally of French with Treaty of Tilsit in 1807

[@gontrandjojo9747]

@@merdiolu And up until 1812 the British and Portuguese were hiding behind the line of Torres Vedras. It's because after 1812 the French had to deal with Russia and then also Prussia and Austria in the east that Britain, Spain and Portugal could push to the Pyrenees. So yes Russia and Prussia did a lot. Without the 6th coalition, Spain and Britain would never push to the Pyrenees, let alone cross it.

[@merdiolu]

@@gontrandjojo9747 British and Portuguese retreated to Torres Vedras Line in 1810 and then left it to pursue retreating French Army of Portugal in 1811 , cleaned out rest of the Portugal from French invasion in May 1811 , One Year or maybe 18 months before Grande Armee crossed Neimen River into Russia , plus I am not even talking about other campaigns of Portuguese , Spanish and British operations in Cadiz , Andalucia and Extramadura in 1809-1811 , check your dates ..

[@larrymccoy5394]

@@merdiolu Wellington was a cobard hided in Portugal during all the war. Spain defetead alone Napoleon in the battle of Bailen, none in Europe Before.

[@juanrafaelcabrero3025]

Excellent. I'm from Spain, and I can say I've never seen a video of this war so well explained as this one. So little known in the details for the spanish people today, (it seems our politicians and cultural elites don't like wars, so they simply ignore them) this war was, in many ways, the origin of many of the problems we face now. The country was devastated. The little amount of industry we had was destroyed. Half a million people died, maybe more than in the spanish civil war, 130 years later. The spanish empire was almost completely lost (spanish troops were fighting french at home, so they could not fight rebellions in America) As the guerrillas were fighting against the invaders of the French Revolution, a reactionary wave spred all over the country. The fight between liberals and reactionaries (later known as carlist, for the pretender Carlos, Fernando's brother, after his death) took all over that century. That division has not been get over still today (see the "two Spains" problem). When the war ended, many guerrilla turned into pure bandits. Industrialization was far delayed as a result, and poverty led to unrest of the lower classes for many, many decades.

[@danielconde13]

Similar problems here in Portugal. Although our Royal Family managed to escape to Brasil in 1807, fact is that most nobles and businessmen also fled. Adding that to the fact that the British - by the hand of Beresford - ruled Portugal as a Protectorade, and the final scenario was of a country without leadership or strategy whatsoever. In 1820 we finally managed to establish a Liberal regime - inspired by that of Cádiz - and call the Royal Family back. But Brasil was lost in 1822, and our queen (spanish born, btw) hated the Liberals, so the country descended into Civil War from 1832 to 34. Several coups, revolts, unrests and different Constitutions followed, until peace and prosperity finally came back only in the 1850's! The Peninsular War is thus a huge milestone in both Portuguese and Spanish History.

[@jesusmena3505]

Juan Rafael Cabrero the liberals destroy Spain and the americas, after the war they took the land of the Catholic Church (must like the land of the people) during the desamortizaciones condemning the rest of us to poverty.

[@carlosbah4623]

Superb video. Sad my country, Spain was devastated, our disastrous, stupid and treacherous king restored again and the genocide Napoleon acclaimed in France as a hero, even today.

[@carlosbah4623]

Well said. I want to add that to all you said, more disgraces; that the disastrous, stupid Fernando VII was restored in the throne, and the genocide Napoleon is acclaimed as a hero even today.

[@salviniusaugustus6567]

Spain was already dying before the French came. If Napoleon invaded, it's because they were useless as an ally. What is sad is that they were a cancer as an enemy.

[@elemperadordemexico]

Kinda of poetic irony that Napoleon's nephew: Napoleon III would have the same Vietnam in Mexico, Spain's former colony.

[@salvadormartinez4936]

México nunca fue una colonia. Era España, como lo era Castilla o Aragón.

[@yourboss001]

Virreinato de Nueva España*

[@howardthealien2606]

Salvador Martínez eres tonto en todos los países de América del Sur, excepto que Brasil es una colonia española y excepto Haití y la colonia inglesa, pero México fue una colonia española que ganó independencia, así que ve a estudiar más tonto

[@pablovillaluenga]

@@howardthealien2606 España no tenía colonias como tal

[@howardthealien2606]

Pablo Villaluenga sí lo hicieron tenían toda américa del sur y durante la guerra de siete años se llevaron la mitad de las colonias de francia tenían méxico nuevo méxico luisiana ect mira el mapa de 1774 de américa del norte que vas a ver.

[@mml1132]

I'm from Cádiz and there's still cannons on the streets that were used on this war. Puertas de Tierra (The Big wall that the french army couldn't pass through to attack the city directly) has a lot of textes and notes for the tourist people so they can learn this interesting part of the history. Today Cádiz is a very touristic city and you can visit many places in memory of the british and portuguese soldiers. There's even a meme on a paint in a plaza, it' Napoleon saying "No me hables de Cádiz..." (Don't talk about Cádiz please...)

[@angelmendez6638]

Si eres de Cádiz como dices habla claro

[@iber4356]

En Zaragoza también hay recuerdos muy visibles de los franceses.

[@-dazz-]

@@angelmendez6638 Qué imbéciles sois los nacionatas, joder. Dais vergüenza ajena.

[@jorge_romero_0322]

Y en Valencia en las torres de Quart se ven aún los impacto de bala, metralla y artillería de las tropas francesas.

[@mml1132]

@@angelmendez6638 Que dices

[@nacholiron]

Interestingly, "empecinado" didn't mean "stubborn" or "obstinate" at the time of Juan Martín Díaz "El Empecinado". The word "empecinado" means "covered in mud", having the root in the Spanish word "pecina", meaning mud, or more specificially silt. Silt was a natural resource obtained from riverbeds and traded as fertilizer at his time, since artificial nitrates were not existing. Juan Martín was originally from Castrillo de Duero, a town renown for the extraction and trade of this resource, and therefore its naturals were nicknamed "empecinados". Only after the French invasion, and the obstinate harassment he carried out against the French troops by means of the Guerrilla, was when the word "empecinado" gained the additional meaning of obstinate or stubborn.

[@SrRodrik]

El Empecinado era un hombre blanco, ojos claros, pelo castaño y portaba casaca roja con bordes dorados. El dibujo del vídeo es falso, los españoles no somos de color marrón. Somos 100% caucásicos...

[@nacholiron]

@@SrRodrik y eso qué tiene que ver con lo que yo he dicho?

[@Gloriaimperial1]

@@SrRodrik Napoleón era Mediterráneo puro, como Julio César o el duque de Alba, y le dieron por el culo a británicos, alemanes, suecos y holandeses. ¿Quizá estás hablando de tu caucásico Benny Hill.

[@x2y3a1j5]

Oye, muchas gracias por el datazo, no tenía npi del antiguo significado de empecinado.

[@nacholiron]

@@x2y3a1j5 Un placer.

[@bobsemple5848]

The Lack of Orchestral Fortunate Son Saddens Me.

[@iqbalpratama2885]

This one

[@ChallisVenstra]

Bob Semple ツ You’ve put to words what we were all thinking. You’re a gentleman and a scholar.

[@ericwinkelmann3834]

Ooh that red white and blue.

[@jildert.]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmXOoJWgfrWGfMk *Increases volume*

[@marcuswoolley3424]

C'est pas moi

[@shawngilliland243]

It always surprises and puzzles me that Napoleón I so underestimated the morale factor in the Peninsular War, because he was so aware of the effect of morale in his own armies. The Spanish people detested the presence of French soldiers' in their country.

[@gontrandjojo9747]

Napoleon couldn't really know what would happen. What he did in Spain, he already did it in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands. He thought Spain would be the same.

[@diegoapalategui579]

@Michael Anthony Its army, not Spain

[@alegp97]

​@Nogent that is remarkable what you say but its much more. This war led to the birth of the first (and only) true constitutional constitution of Spain, in 1812 Cádiz . Liberal ideas where introduced but for many they ended up sounding like debauchery, specially because guerrilleros and bandoleros where largely uncontrolled and led to half century of significant poverty and organized crime, which along ideological division and Carlists wars slowed down progressist ideals and industry development until late 19th century, with all the remnants of the old empire lost. That division was the perfect stew for fascist, communist and anarchist ideals.....you know the rest.

[@joseignaciovivas4372]

Not specifically French soldiers, but agressors (similar to Ukranians).

[@adriancampos8640]

@Nogent You seem to forget that in the case of the Bourbons, the majority of the country supported them, and there was a civil war (War of Spanish Succession). In the case of Napoleon, he imposed his dinasty with little Spanish support, which only went down as the atrocities mounted.

[@pescandorabiosos4260]

The British way, helping Spain against Napoleon and helping revolutionaries in Argentina against Spain.

[@DarkPsychoMessiah]

Well yeah, they were screwing over France rather than helping Spain.

[@sobrevalorado]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIe8onVmqrl-oqc (British foreign policy regarding Europe)

[@elviralopez6503]

True, the British always playing a double game.

[@crazyguy463]

@@elviralopez6503 well Britain and Spain were still enemies

[@LinkoofHyrule]

@@elviralopez6503 not a double game just our own game

[@alejandropl222]

En 1809 soldados y ciudadanos gallegos al mando de Cachamuíña le dieron una paliza al Mariscal Ney en la Batalla de Pontesampaio, provocando su huida a Lugo donde se encontró con Soult que había escapado de Portugal. Ambos mariscales abandonaron juntitos Galicia en julio del mismo año. Los franceses apenas echaron un año en Galicia y eso que la guerra duró hasta 1814. Por otra parte siempre debemos recordar que Cádiz jamás fue tomada por los gabachos.

[@LordAratan]

We should rename the Vietnam War to America's Spain. Intead of the other way.

[@FF-ds9xw]

Fun fact, Spain lose war against US of America in 1898

[@danielchera9214]

Very...questionable events led to US involvement

[@danielchera9214]

@Alberto Fuijimori they called it naopleans vietnam

[@danielchera9214]

@Alberto Fuijimori sorry sometimes it's hard to tell if people are joking or being idiots

[@genghiskhan5701]

France actual had an actual Vietnam war though

[@deval3541]

Nobody expects the Spanish guerrillas

[@nhmooytis7058]

DeVal good one ;)

[@bcn1gh7h4wk]

"Sorpresa, joputa!" _bang!_

[@su_morenito_1948]

Nighthawk JAJAJA

[@none5955]

JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA JAJAJAJAJAJAJA QUÉ BUENO POR DIOS

[@noahgibsonspeninsularwarsa1134]

From the Spanish Inquisition joke I guess.

[@fabrizio67]

My great-great-great-great- grandfather Nicola fought in Spain in Napoleon's Army...he was from Naples, joined at sixteen and was promoted to officer rank on the battlefield at the end of the siege of Barcelona, in 1809....

[@Theonetruedarklord]

Portugal and it’s support to the liberation of iberia is underrated

[@EpichistoryTv]

A note about the casualty statistics in this video at 19:24. Though these numbers are found in several sources, new research by Spanish historians suggests that the total for French soldiers killed by the guerrillas is far too high, and could be as low as 10-15,000. At the same time, the number of French soldiers dying from disease could be nearer 195,000, and the number killed fighting regular Spanish troops should be much higher than traditionally thought. The total number of French deaths in Spain is thought to be possibly a bit higher, 260,000, not 240,000. See my video on the Vitoria campaign for details and links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i56aqKCim9yajaM

[@luxembourgishempire2826]

U need to do a video on Luxembourg really

[@shaafalikhan3704]

Thank you very much for the high quality content. They are a ture treasure. I hope you will keep up your great work.

[@jetcraneboyd4278]

Are you going to talk about Latin America after this?

[@matteowalrath3457]

I love these history videos great detail and quality always looking forward to your next upload

[@hkja99]

I'd really love to see you taking us through the thirty years war. A lot of interesting commanders and stories to cover.

[@FlashPointHx]

Lovely video! I remember spending two weeks with my wife in Madrid near the Puerto Del Sol - saw that plaque they had for the defenders against Napoleon every day.

[@guopeneferozz]

Puerta* ; Puerto is port in english my dude :)

[@alexmartinez7967]

Hopefully, you don't stop with just Napoleon. You have the potential to sore into new heights. When I first time I was shocked and amazed how much quality is put in these videos. I love military history and sad that most people don't care not only about the wars lately but of the nations and the struggles they endured. I'm happy and smiling with tears of joy. Keep up the good work and ill leave with a military quote for you all hopefully xD you see it. Never forget that no military leader has ever become great without audacity. if the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them in spite of all obstacles. Karl von Clausewitz

[@cyberjoe77]

Very interesting, well narrated, and nice animation. Reminds me when I was a child and stared at pictures in history books and tried hard to imagine how it must have been to live through these events. I’ve never looked closely at Napoleon but this raised my interests.Thanks.

[@SpanishDio]

*When the Hills start speaking Spanish* French Soldier:Oh Mon dieu...

[@su_morenito_1948]

james KAR You have no sense of humor

[@cidiussifilius2959]

Aajajjajjajajaja

[@Durahan82]

French General : Ah merde alors !!

[@jatorresh]

te veo de nuevo xd

[@arnos174]

Dio te encuentro en todos lados uwu.

[@tsniperhd4405]

this would make for such an awesome tv series following the French British and the Guerillas and how each of them struggled

[@humdunkin328]

you should really watch Sharpe, or read the book series it was based on

[@lewispitts9448]

Sharpe is a great show.

[@nasttred893]

The best series about the true heroes of the struggle for the independence of Spain from the French is a very old but still very good Spanish: "Curro Jiménez".

[@jacktattis143]

@@nasttred893 There were quite a few real Guerrilla leaders. And while they were magnificent they could not face the French in the Field, they needed the British for that

[@filipposaracchini1976]

In my opinion, Spain and not Russia was the real thorn in Napoleon's side

[@tcbbctagain572]

*Portugal

[@SrRodrik]

@@tcbbctagain572 No, Portugal no hizo nada... este video es falso. Los "anglo-portugueses" no fueron heroes en España. Totalmente falso... en este video no se habla de ningun héroe español y solo se habla desde las perspectiva falaz de los ingleses... te invito a que leas verdadera historia española contada por los vencedores de la guerra (España). Mientras Wellington se paseaba por España, los verdaderos héroes españoles se enfrentaban a los franceses desde 1808. Este docuemental debería ser censurado por mentir sobre los españoles.

[@SrRodrik]

@@tcbbctagain572 Para colmo ponen a los inútiles casacas rojas de super soldados y eran realmente perdedores de la Guerra de Secesión Americana contra las milicias de Washington y los ejércitos españoles de Gálvez.

[@SrRodrik]

@@tcbbctagain572 También te ponen a los sumisos portugueses como grandes soldados, solo por el hecho de estar sometidos y calladitos a la bota británica. Lo cual jamás escuché desde las perspectiva nacional que los lusos hicieran significativamente algo contra el esfuerzo de Napoleón. Wellington y los lusos no eran nadie... así siempre lo estudie yo. Del general Castaños o del Capitán Velarde, ni los mencionan... curioso.

[@SrRodrik]

@@tcbbctagain572 Como guinda del pastel, te ponen 3 dibujos falaces de los únicos héroes españoles mencionados. En los dibujitos falsos te los pintan de color marrón y con expresiones mejicanas, en la realidad, sus retratos originales se pueda comprobar que eran los 3 puramente caucásicos como todo buen español, piel blanca, nada que envidiar a sus primos ingleses.

[@alejandrop.s.3942]

The British bombed industries in Spain and Portugal that were in direct competition with the british industries (such as porcelain), so it cannot be said that the Spanish were too suspicious.

[@matteowalrath3457]

Yes ive been waiting for the new napoleon video this is the best history channel on youtube

[@atsuamewolo]

This is always great. I'd like to see the german wars of unification..

[@Dr-Alexander-The-Great]

Or Spain, liberating itself from the moors

[@kuttex123x4]

30 years war? anyone?

[@xstrawarot]

Or the moors capturing spain

[@cv4809]

Honestly I'd like to see every war fought in Europe from this channel

[@Elainerulesutube]

@@cv4809 More wars have been fought in Europe than anywhere else!

[@alexandrecancelas3665]

Funny fact: Galician peasants builded cannons from trees to defend themselves from french soldiers. Near Pontevedra, Galicia, you can see the last tree-cannon that used to build

[@marshalsoult3860]

interesting.. i want to revisit Seville again sometime…

[@omarbradley6807]

@@marshalsoult3860 LOL

[@GehennaFleet]

That was the battle of Ponte Sampaio (Bridge Sampaio if I'm translating correctly) on 1809 and as OP said masoners (Canteiros) and other locals from localities around what's now is Cotobade like Tenorio, they used various sizes of Oak trunks (Carballos) and drilled them to use as cannons against the french. If you look the coat of arms of Cotobade you can see the year 1809 and a cannon usually depicted brown as to mimic wood.

[@mahmudbalazi8328]

How have I never found this channel...cant wait to watch all these videos

[@TN-xx4ih]

Misoure why are de rocks speaking Spanish?

[@derptrolling4740]

Guerillas

[@DiazFelix]

@@derptrolling4740: "gueRRillas" not "geRillas" with erre not ere sonds different

[@pedrofmc0000]

@@DiazFelix That's in Spanish, they speak English and in their language that phonetic sound doesn't exist.

[@feetgoaroundfullflapsC]

@@pedrofmc0000 Roll the Guerrilla R's...

[@feetgoaroundfullflapsC]

Guerrrilas. Guerrilleros..

[@BholewalaofTaranto1098]

Thank you for being so consistent and delivering the best content on the Napoleonic Wars. You really make life happier

[@joseignaciovivas4372]

If you feel happy after this video is because or the videos or you are not right. Specifically, this war was bloody, dirty and destroyer... really sad. Although we prevailed, we were destroyed and hates are still alive till the date.

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

Do you even know that Napoleon was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge (Orient) of France?

[@yuhyuh5674]

The quality of the napoleonic Era videos is phenomenal. Breathtaking work Epic History.

[@Jupiterssilhouette]

As a person with British and Spanish ancestry, this video made me proud, VIVA ESPAÑA!!!

[@ricardomaccotta6367]

your nick name makes very clear your Brit ancestry .. )))=

[@fredo3816]

how doesnt this channel have more subs ? superb vid as always ! cheers

[@onetwothreefourfive12345]

The filmstro music you use takes these videos from great to excellent.

[@siddharthchavan910]

🤔🤔🤔 Invasion of Spain and Russia was Napoleons biggest Blunders. In Spanish invasion the terrain and geography of country were challenge to French and in invasion of Russia the winter and mud. Napoleon underestimated the external factors that straight away affected the outcome of both the invasions. Hitler Didn’t learn any lessons from napoleonic war too.

[@ricardomaccotta6367]

well, yes, he didnt invaded Spain at least

[@uaidezzahhar7390]

@@ricardomaccotta6367 in fact Hitler refused a suggestion from his generals to invade spain taking Napoleon as an example that spain can be invaded, but can't submit to strangers.

[@ricardomaccotta6367]

@@uaidezzahhar7390 Hahahahaha That might be. I live in Spain but i've been living abroad for many years and this country is the most inner divided country i have ever know, so, submited or not, we can agree in almost anything ... hahahaha I am spaniard by the way

[@ricardomaccotta6367]

@Soumyadeep Chatterjee Hittler knew that Spain will have been useless in joining the war, Spain just came out of a terrible, bloody civil war, as all civil wars tend to be, very low manpower and an obsolete miliatry equipment, scarce food production and most of the factories and infracstruture damaged o destroyed. For Hittler would have been most coast to guard as happened with Italy

[@hispanoamericanohispanista4416]

is not only the geography of spain, the warrior-blood, honor, ferocity of spaniards unique in whole europe said from Napoleon and ambassador of france... jealous shitty english

[@rbl8774]

Thank You , It was very well explain I love Epic History TV.

[@nesd7585]

Napoleon entered Spain as an excuse to arrive in Portugal, What Napoleon did not know is that at the same moment he decided that he was going to invade Spain he had signed the beginning of the end of his empire

[@MDP1702]

not necessarily, had he used even just a quarter of the troops he used against Russia in Spain (and not invaded or delayed the invasion of Russia), he might have been able to take out the british-portugese forces and allow the remaining french troops to hunt down the guerrilla's and pacify Iberia. The greatest problem was supplies, but with a good preparation, this could have been fixed.

[@vivaespana1717]

@Big Bill O'Reilly both

[@red-onecpasmoijetaitentrai3400]

At that time until ww2, it's been invaded or be the invaders. No Time to reflect. And Napoléon was in mission for the élites like Hitler, Jules César, etc and everytime they were thinking that it was this guy the Antichrist ahaha but non those mens just prepare the terrain

[@skurinski]

not really, it was Britain that saved Spain's ass.

[@omenow]

@@MDP1702 IF? If Spain would' t have had such a disastrous Monarchy, France wouldn't stand a chance against Spain (as normally has happened during history). If those Spaniard warriors from the Guerrillas would have been properly equipped and organized in armies, they would have totally destroyed any French force. That is the IF here.

[@merdiolu]

In second Battle of Oporto in 1809 , Wellington used river barges that used to carry wine to transport his troops in secret across Porto river and entrench a bridgehead at French side. When French Marshal Soult found out , French counter attacked and were driven back by British landing forces and while French were distracted , people of Oporto took off in small boats to cross the river and carried entire British Army at field across the river in the middle of city. Soult outflanked , left all of his stores , supllies , most of his guns and wounded , retreated back to Spain.

[@Gloriaimperial1]

UK had an island. That's why he didn't have Napoleon's army in London. So you can do battles with expeditionary armies and little risk to your population in other site. All continental Europe was badly destroyed in that war.

[@harlequin2614]

@@Gloriaimperial1pretty sweet isn’t it? Rule Britannia! 🇬🇧

[@Gloriaimperial1]

@@harlequin2614 Countries that were not invaded by Napoleon, because they are an island. UK, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, Faeroes Islands... It is the rule of the islands.

[@Yellow-kp9gs]

@@Gloriaimperial1Once again- being an island meant that Britain didn’t need a land army after the Hundred Years’ War- hence the focus on naval and economic power.

[@famigliao]

Best video ever on this topic. Well done!

[@LichsuhoathinhDrabattle]

Amazing video. Videos of channel helps linking so many little historical anecdotes together and interesting✨😎‼

[@fakechloe207]

Borodino, Dresden and Leipzig are on the way. I can't wait.

[@Chris689200]

Hema Doha Yeah, they are ten times more important than the spanish campaign, but i guess the fact that the creator is british forces him to have a bias and lead him to think Britain played the bigger role. I hate people trying to rewrite history because of their national arrogance.

[@qwertyasdfg6145]

Chris wut

[@sirchunkalot]

Chris I guess British troops played no part in quelling Napoleon’s ambitions in Europe. I love people trying to rewrite history because of their national arrogance.

[@armandfrancoislouis7813]

hope also Siege of Hamburg

[@DarthPlato]

The 1814 campaign as well. Napoleon did very well during this time.

[@wiictvchannel1112]

Always makes me happy to see you upload videos, but especially when it's on Napoleon! I hang onto every word as your presentation and narration brings me back to the 1800s and this war. Thank you!

[@thehistorybard6333]

A terrible war indeed. Thankyou for another superb video, the content on this channel is highly professional and exceptional in quality.

[@trevbro9398]

Really great videos. Thanks!

[@uziela6347]

You guys are the best history channel there is. Your napoleonic wars series are a true encyclopedia. Awesome commentary as well. Cheers!

[@BiORubbs]

This is truly brilliant. i've studied the period for 35 years and this is the most useful and succinct illustration of this very complex war in the peninsula - (of the troop movements/strategy) i've seen yet. You should credit the editor/after effects artist as their attention to detail really makes this special.

[@EpichistoryTv]

Thank you, that's very high praise. EHTV's a one-man band, apart from Charles on the mic. For anyone interested to learn more about me or the channel there's a bit here: www.epichistory.tv/about

[@BiORubbs]

@@EpichistoryTv Many thanks, reading the info we have similar history as i was freelance editing in similar circles back in the day :) sadly more mainstream than History channel. keep up the good work, I love your style.

[@joseignaciovivas4372]

Really, we miss at least a word about the battle of Bailen (no Englishmen there) or the presence of Napoleon in the war. The silence about this says a lot. Anyway, that prevents us to face the destiny of the French soldiers prisioners after Bailen in La Cabrera island and the shows a great approach of most of facts, thanks. Be aware that this kind of videos shows a "clean" time line of facts short of concepts, but wars are a far more complex, uncertain, brutal and disturbing. Although we prevailed, our country and society was destroyed by ones and anothers (= hate and anger).

[@NicolaW72]

Thank you very much for this very informative part of history!

[@fredschmidt4684]

What great videos you make. Simply great. Thank you.

[@Jasmin_Pepelko]

Soult: I have turned your right, pierced your centre and everywhere victory is mine - why don't you run? Redcoats: 'tis but a scratch.

[@SAarumDoK]

As always, great narration, animation and overall quality. Looking forward for the rest. Greetings from France ! Sincerely, S'Aarum

[@nigelbagguley7606]

The efforts of the Portuguese and Spanish guerrillas in the Peninsula war cannot be overstated,in many ways they were more effective than the regular armies fighting in set piece battles, their near constant attacks, especially on French supply lines helped to shape the situation ahead of more organised engagements.The brutality of the French response on the civilian population ( while undoubtedly escalating participation in guerrilla forces) can also be seen as a testament to their effectiveness.

[@si4632]

its a mountainous country of course they would be more effective

[@GabrielKakeKake]

Thank you for the effort in the pronunciation of place names. really appreciated.

[@williamforbess9491]

This is so cool and a professionally made video can’t wait till the next one! Great Work!

[@guillermodelavega34]

professionally but biased

[@ftr1453]

Absolutely great work. My respects to all Epic History TV team: historians, designers, etc. I cannot expect to enjoy the next 1812-13 video.

[@x2y3a1j5]

I'd like to congratulate, first Charles Noves for both his English and Spanish pronunciation (with no butchering of Spanish names, what a feat for a brit!) and last but no least whoever is the person curating the very good narrative, so clear, straightforward, while also providing the more important details. The animation and the illustrations (from Goya's Fusilamientos del 2 de Mayo to some textbook's aquarelles ) are also very good. In short, a very remarkable job well done. What a pleasure to find videos like these and learn more!

[@Delogros]

Is a bit weird, all the Spanish do on this channel is whinge and in particular about his pronunciation...

[@x2y3a1j5]

@@Delogros Well, as you should know, but assuredly this will be exciting fresh news for ya, Anglos in general, save for very few & rare exceptions, always systematically butcher the pronunciation of foreign words, even taking an appalling pride in their lack of general culture and languages, while at the same time mocking the pronunciation mistakes foreigners do in English. Must be part of their superiority complex. So when, once in a blue moon you find an English guy with a very good pronunciation of Spanish, the least you can do is to praise the guy for having taken the time and pain to correct himself and practice until get it right.

[@Delogros]

@@x2y3a1j5 If you say so though the behavior of your own Moor descended, arrogant, Franco Neo Nazi educated and so ignorant Spaniards goes directly counter to your own argument... maybe you guys should decide how Spanish works as a language and get back to us, it's only been several hundred years I'm sure you'll agree on it eventually.

[@Delogros]

​@@x2y3a1j5 For example from one of your countrymen on the "Wellington strikes" video "Is not Arahron, it is ARAGON. No grunting ugly like that." This is what I mean, now you can answer the actual comment or you can act like an arse again and we can just insult each other for another round of comments, your choice.

[@x2y3a1j5]

@@Delogros Which "actual comment'", you @ ss hole? You're replying to my comments, you 1d1ot! What an uptight m*th3rf_ck3r you are, Delogros! Here I am, praising an English guy one for his correct pronunciation BUT all you're able of is to criticise others. GTFO!

[@CristianRodriguez-hz6gb]

keep up the great job love this exelent

[@The1perator]

I just saw Bondarchouk's movie about Waterloo. Amazing how each of your videos make this masterpiece even more consistent. Great job.

[@mikelurbin]

I absolutely adore your channel and videos, the quality of the animations is just astonishing and the amount of detail in the historical narration is top notch. Amazing!

[@shanemurphy2009]

Very clear information of the strategies involved...

[@EnigmaticDecay]

Love these. Great work.

[@miguelbautista6155]

This just made my day way better! Thank you for such great Videos!!

[@gdellshindig8955]

Right on!!! I was looking forward to the new napolean video all day!!! Thank you guys

[@MuhammedKarakazak]

I simply adore this series, thank the authors so much. Greetings from Kazakhstan

[@TheNugler]

Another amazing video. Thank you for this hard work

[@abthedragon4921]

"This war was my downfall" You got that right Also, great video as always. Epic History TV is one of the greatest history channels on KZbin.

[@napoleonbonaparteempereurd4676]

I should have married an English women...

[@bcn1gh7h4wk]

wait.... I thought Downfall was German....

[@kevin8712]

@@napoleonbonaparteempereurd4676 No offense but you should not have moped around in Paris while Wellington was kicking your generals' a**

[@marshalsoult3860]

@@kevin8712 i mean we are fighting both the guerillas and didnt have good information on the enemy. removed the guerillas and wellingtons ass would be in the atlantic ocean by 1809

[@1488EVERGETES]

As a spaniard i'd love to keep napoleon as ally against the uk but he prefered to use dirty tricks to invade us and got what he deserved when he could've perfectly respected fontainebleau treaty... Greed was his perdition

[@antdte.5523]

Hecho en falta, uno de las mayores acciones de esta guerra. La astuta retirada hacia la Isla de León ( hoy San Fernando, en Cádiz) del Ejército de Extremadura, al mando del Duque de Alburquerque. Esta vertiginosa y eficaz maniobra, mantuvo a salvo al gobierno del asedio francés ,dando con ello tiempo para lo proclamación posteriormente sería la Contitución de 1812. Missing, one of the greatest actions of this war. The astute retreat to the Island of Leon (today San Fernando, in Cadiz) of the Army of Extremadura, under the command of the Duke of Alburquerque. This vertiginous and effective maneuver, kept the government safe from the French siege, thus giving time for the subsequent proclamation of the Constitution of 1812.

[@TheVarredor1]

We call this the French Invasions of the Iberian Peninsula, also known by the Peninsular Wars, The French Invaded Spain and Portugal at almost the same time. However, it was in Portugal with the arrival of the British and an adoption of the Portuguese army to English tactics, that the campaign for the liberation of the Iberian Peninsula began.

[@Delogros]

I find it very interesting that one of the first things Wellington did when he took over the Anglo-Allied army was send a message to Portugal asking for 14,000 Portuguese troops, he had such massive respect for the Portuguese Battalions he led in the war.

[@TheVarredor1]

@@Delogros Also due to the creation of the Caçadores battalions (hunter), with training and philosophy equal to the 2nd / 95th Rifles battalions, which were a tremendous success, as they were aggressive in combat and acted out of conventional rules, their uniforms were brown and green, they used the Baker rifle. Wellighton called it "the fighting cocks".

[@Delogros]

@@TheVarredor1 As a Brit I always have a special place in my heart for Portugal.

[@robowisanveithasung6022]

@@TheVarredor1 the cazadore companies in the battalion used muskets, but their elite companies known as "Atiradores" had rifles

[@estevezhpd]

Qué impresionante calidad gráfica tiene este canal, ¡magnífico trabajo!

[@spartangenix2131]

Absolutely love this epic history tv never disappoint also I love the soundtrack. Great work guys keep it up👍

[@ANormalMeme]

Wow! That was really cool what you did with Google Earth to make the battle more viewable. You are by far my favorite history channel!

[@willu842]

I love you Epic History TV. Please more Napoleonic warfare content!

[@dubemmenakaya9624]

Incredible! Incredible! Incredible! Love all your videos this i e is elite, the narration, the graphics, highlighting interesting individuals on both sides and there characteristics. Thank you for the continuing education and entertainment

[@EpichistoryTv]

Very encouraging feedback, thank you!

[@JAG8691]

My mother grew up in Bucaco.I have attended the annual celebrations of the battle on the 27th of September on a few occasions with the local museum about the battle definitely worth a visit.

[@musicc1088]

Spain- general's fortune, officer's ruin, soldier's death... Those french soldiers used to write good comments!

[@Shadow-rw3ze]

My grandfather from Dúdar (a really small village in Granada) told me two stories about this war. The first is that in the oldest tree located in a part of his crops, they used to hang French troops the guerrillas captured. This tree looks just like a normal pear tree with a couple wooden things. The other is that in another close village (Tocón or La Peza), the Spanish rebels created improvised canons with strong tree bottoms (in fact, Tocón in Spanish means the tree’s lowest, thickest and strongest part, the one at the bottom). This war was clearly Napoleon’s big mistake

[@vicentgalvan70]

I can't express how amazing this series is. Everything is great and of excellent quality! Viva a Portugal!

[@afonsoferreira2652]

e depois o nome do video é "spain"...

[@naze2659]

@@afonsoferreira2652 spain pelo nome de Hispania é outro nome para a Ibéria, espanha é toda a peninsula ibérica mas que neste caso também é o nome do pais

[@afonsoferreira2652]

@@naze2659 Não, o nome da peninsula iberica é Hispania. Espanha e Spain é um nome dum projecto/país que tinha o intuito de se tornar hispania. nem espanha nem spain são o nome de HISPANIA ou peninsula iberica

[@Rodrigo-oz7ng]

@@afonsoferreira2652 Cause this war took place in Spain

[@Rodrigo-oz7ng]

*mostly

[@camouflage7226]

That’s why it’s called EPIC history TV. Awesome work once again!

[@HellenicWolf]

Great work

[@mjsan9143]

"Si la Francia ha soñado algún día pasar vencedora por esta ciudad, necesita enviar más franceses que granos de arena arrastra la mar"

[@Jaxck77]

Consistently one of the best channels on youtube. Another FAB vid mate!

[@theREDdevilz22]

“KING GEORGE COMMANDS AND WE OBAY, OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY”

[@annescholey6546]

Sharpe n Harper

[@O2Lunch]

Another Amazing video

[@dhjgjkd]

Amazing as always. Hoping for the two italian campaigns (1796-97 and 1800) and the Egyptian one.

[@maxily9240]

I enjoy this video from a small bullied country Cambodia. Keep up the good work...!

[@yrsjhydjmdhyt]

Proud to be a Patreon supporter of such a wonderful channel. Keep up the great work sir!

[@EpichistoryTv]

Thank you, and great to have your support.

[@joseneto5833]

My two favorite channels upload videos about napoleon, today is a good day.

[@heavenlytroopers4081]

The word Guerilla said even in Spanish somehow incites thoughts of torture. I loved your video! Learning lots.

[@x2y3a1j5]

Well, not exactly in Spanish language, where the suffixes -illa, -illo denote the "smallness" of synonim suffixes -ita, -ito but with an added small condescending flavour, like in "little importance". Ex.: it's not exactly the same a "trabajito" ("small job/work", something that you can do rather quickly) and a "trabajillo" (a work of small importance, which sometimes can take you forever). But of course to English-speaking ears it may sound dreadful. Just to let you know that not all sounds convey exactly what we foreigners may think of.

[@Distractionedm]

woa, how did I not find this channel earlier, this is really awesome!

[@marshalsoult3860]

weaboo

[@achmadtitofauzan3809]

When the trees start speaking *say adios to your huevos*

[@truthseeking6611]

LOL...That was good.

[@bernardorodeiro129]

Good video, very interesting indeed. The only thing that is stuck in my teeth is that half of the video was talking about Portugal, how the Anglo-Portuguese collaborative effort basically put Massena out of a job, and the terminology used is still "Spain 1809-1811"... To the english narrator: would you like for England to be called Scotland, yer wee historian? Just change the name to Iberian Peninsula please. That is the the name of the territory you talked about. Not Spain.

[@solecervera7124]

Sigo leyendo y viendo vuestros vídeos excelentes

[@adriancook3195]

If Epic History TV had infinite episodes I would watch it infinitely. I look forward to becoming a patron one day, for I will feel a patron of the arts.