The Key to Lisbon: The Third French Invasion of Portugal, 1810-11
This study details the preparation, planning and execution of the invasion of Portugal in 1810 by the French Armée de Portugal under Marshal Massena, and the defensive measures taken by the British and their Portuguese and Spanish allies. It also covers the practice of all armies involved during this campaign, working from original sources. These sources provide a different interpretation of some key aspects of the campaign to those which are generally accepted. The work focusses on the strategic, operational, and tactical planning undertaken by both sides in preparation for the invasion, and the actual progress of the campaign. A narrative of the battles and sieges, with analysis at the tactical-level, also brings out the differences in planning and intelligence gathering.

This particular campaign is important as it has attracted little attention from historians, and was crucial as a turning point in the Peninsular War. This was the last time that Portugal was invaded by the French during the Peninsular War, and the allies’ handling of the campaign contrasted sharply with that of the French. Its success also gave Wellington political security against the ‘croakers’ back in England. The research demonstrates the difficulties both armies had in prosecuting their plans during the campaign, and highlights the stark differences in the approach taken by each commander.
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The Key to Lisbon: The Third French Invasion of Portugal, 1810-11
This study details the preparation, planning and execution of the invasion of Portugal in 1810 by the French Armée de Portugal under Marshal Massena, and the defensive measures taken by the British and their Portuguese and Spanish allies. It also covers the practice of all armies involved during this campaign, working from original sources. These sources provide a different interpretation of some key aspects of the campaign to those which are generally accepted. The work focusses on the strategic, operational, and tactical planning undertaken by both sides in preparation for the invasion, and the actual progress of the campaign. A narrative of the battles and sieges, with analysis at the tactical-level, also brings out the differences in planning and intelligence gathering.

This particular campaign is important as it has attracted little attention from historians, and was crucial as a turning point in the Peninsular War. This was the last time that Portugal was invaded by the French during the Peninsular War, and the allies’ handling of the campaign contrasted sharply with that of the French. Its success also gave Wellington political security against the ‘croakers’ back in England. The research demonstrates the difficulties both armies had in prosecuting their plans during the campaign, and highlights the stark differences in the approach taken by each commander.
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The Key to Lisbon: The Third French Invasion of Portugal, 1810-11

The Key to Lisbon: The Third French Invasion of Portugal, 1810-11

by Kenton White
The Key to Lisbon: The Third French Invasion of Portugal, 1810-11

The Key to Lisbon: The Third French Invasion of Portugal, 1810-11

by Kenton White

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$37.50 
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Overview

This study details the preparation, planning and execution of the invasion of Portugal in 1810 by the French Armée de Portugal under Marshal Massena, and the defensive measures taken by the British and their Portuguese and Spanish allies. It also covers the practice of all armies involved during this campaign, working from original sources. These sources provide a different interpretation of some key aspects of the campaign to those which are generally accepted. The work focusses on the strategic, operational, and tactical planning undertaken by both sides in preparation for the invasion, and the actual progress of the campaign. A narrative of the battles and sieges, with analysis at the tactical-level, also brings out the differences in planning and intelligence gathering.

This particular campaign is important as it has attracted little attention from historians, and was crucial as a turning point in the Peninsular War. This was the last time that Portugal was invaded by the French during the Peninsular War, and the allies’ handling of the campaign contrasted sharply with that of the French. Its success also gave Wellington political security against the ‘croakers’ back in England. The research demonstrates the difficulties both armies had in prosecuting their plans during the campaign, and highlights the stark differences in the approach taken by each commander.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781804513958
Publisher: Helion and Company
Publication date: 09/25/2023
Series: From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 , #118
Pages: 256
Product dimensions: 6.70(w) x 9.60(h) x (d)

About the Author

The author is a lecturer in Strategic Studies at RAF Cranwell and the University of Reading. He has had a life-long interest in the Peninsular War and the armies involved.

Table of Contents

List of Plates viii

List of Maps ix

Preface x

Acknowledgments xii

Introduction xiii

1 Spain will not Delay us Long 25

2 Hic Sunt Leones 36

3 Blowing Up Bridges 57

4 I Want to Enter Lisbon as Soon as Possible 71

5 A Cautious System 84

6 1810 103

7 The Prince Never Had a Single Guide 113

8 The Portuguese Behaved Most Gallantly 144

9 The Retreat Was Ill Managed 171

10 A Libertação 195

Conclusion 217

Appendices

I Dramatis Personae 225

II Memorandum for Lieutenant Colonel Fletcher, Commanding Royal Engineers 228

III The Allied Army 232

IV The French Army 237

Bibliography 242

Index 253

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