Book Description
The 1807-1814 war in the Iberian Peninsula was one of the most significant and influential campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars. Sir Charles Oman's extensive use and analysis of French, Spanish, Portuguese, and British participants' accounts and archival material, together with his own inspection of the battlefields, provides a comprehensive and balanced account of this most important episode in Napoleonic military history. Volume III covers the period from September 1809 to December 1810, when the French were consolidating their hold on Spain, crushing resistance, and attempting to drive the British out of Portugal. Wellington's Allied army fought a model defensive battle at Bussaco, stalling the French drive into Portugal and enabling the British and Portuguese forces to retire to the shelter of the Torres Vedras fortifications. There the Allies' defense led to a strategic victory, blunting the French offensive and ultimately forcing the French to abandon their invasion.

About the Author
Sir Charles Oman was one of Britain's greatest and most celebrated historians. His other books include A History of the Art of War in the Middle Ages (1853673323) and A History of the Art of War in the Sixteenth Century (1853673846).

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The 1807-1814 war in the Iberian Peninsula was one of the most significant and influential campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars. Sir Charles Oman's extensive use and analysis of French, Spanish, Portuguese, and British participants' accounts and archival material, together with his own inspection of the battlefields, provides a comprehensive and balanced account of this most important episode in Napoleonic military history. Volume III covers the period from September 1809 to December 1810, when the French were consolidating their hold on Spain, crushing resistance, and attempting to drive the British out of Portugal. Wellington's Allied army fought a model defensive battle at Bussaco, stalling the French drive into Portugal and enabling the British and Portuguese forces to retire to the shelter of the Torres Vedras fortifications. There the Allies' defense led to a strategic victory, blunting the French offensive and ultimately forcing the French to abandon their invasion.