The Peninsular War was a major conflict that took place on the Iberian Peninsula between 1808 and 1814. It was fought between the forces of France, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, and a coalition of British, Spanish, and Portuguese forces.

The war began in 1807 when Napoleon invaded Portugal and placed his brother Joseph on the Spanish throne. This move was met with resistance from the Spanish and Portuguese, who formed an alliance with Britain to fight against the French. The conflict quickly spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, with numerous battles and skirmishes taking place.

The war was characterized by guerrilla warfare, with Spanish and Portuguese forces using hit-and-run tactics to harass and disrupt French forces. The British, under the leadership of Sir Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington), provided critical support to the Spanish and Portuguese forces, leading to several decisive victories against the French.

The war lasted for six years and was marked by several significant battles, including the Battle of Talavera, the Battle of Salamanca, and the Battle of Vitoria. The war came to an end in 1814 with the defeat of the French forces and the abdication of Napoleon. The war had a significant impact on the political and social landscape of the Iberian Peninsula, leading to the establishment of constitutional monarchies and the emergence of nationalism in the region.

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