Abstract/Summary

The Peninsular War provides the historian with an abundant variety of the French methods of warfare, from small guerrilla actions involving only a few soldiers to large battles involving tens of thousands. There are sieges and amphibious operations in addition to the more run-of-the-mill campaigns of manoeuvre. What would now be called ‘pacification’ and ‘stabilisation’ operations in the Spanish and Portuguese countryside were undertaken throughout the war. During the campaigns in Spain and Portugal, the methods of warfare successfully employed in Italy and Central Europe were retained in the Peninsula by the French even when they were demonstrably failing. Why was that? This analysis will examine French strategy, operational planning and tactics. The general method of French operations will also be addressed.