El brazo represivo del gobierno intruso en España: el ministerio de policía (1809-1812)

Abstract

The repressive arm of the intrusive government in Spain: the Ministry of Police (1809-1812)

As the Napoleonic army was imposing its power on the Iberian Peninsula, the administration which was to be led by José Bonaparte started to be created in accordance with the Bayonne provisions. One of the most important chapters of the reform was the establishment of the Ministry of the Police with a decree dated February 6th, 1809, on the basis of its counterpart established in the consular years in France and so diligently led by Fouchet from Paris. The initial challenge of this body was to maintain law and order and protect the security of the State, as had already been done for several years in other territories annexed to the Empire. But the armed upsurge of the Spanish, backed by British weapons and money, was an additional challenge for the Bonapartists. The fight against the insurrectors turned the Spanish policing system into a powerful oppressive arm.

Received:  26-04-2005