La Guerra de Napoleón en Navarra (1808-1814)

Abstract

Napoleon’s War in Navarra (1808-1814)

The War of the Spanish Independence is one of the milestones of the Spanish history. In those years a new society emerged which rejected the institutions of the Old Regime. In Navarra the people’s insurrection burst out in Estella and Tudela in July 1808, triggered by the support given by general Palafox from Saragossa. The control of Tudela was essential for the French, who wanted to rule the mid-Ebro valley and Saragossa. After crushing the armed resistance, the French occupied the whole territory of Navarra, bringing the old Reign of Navarra to an end. The administration of the Reign was replaced by a French-style administration. In spite of this, this institutional change consolidated as late as 1810. This is when Navarra separated from the authority of Joseph I and was put under the direct rule of Napoleon through the French generals who occupied the respective Navarra military authorities. The institutions of the Reign of Navarra were restored when Fernando VII was back on the throne.

Received: 23-08-2010