The Peninsular War

Note: If there is some inaccuracies, please let know as soon as possible. Currently studying this period and trying to cover as much as possible. Please forgive me.

The Peninsular war was a series of conficts in the Iberian Peninsular, which began in 1807/8. It originally started as a strategic attack on Portugal by Napoleon to subject the country to his Continental System, but later grew more complicated as the Britsh and the Spanish became involved. This turned what was originally a small conflict into a fierce and losing war for Napoleon. By 1814 Napoleon suffered major losses from the many battles against the British and Spanish, causing his strong grip on the Iberian Peninsular to disappear.

Eve of the War
By 1807, Naploeon and the French empire were almost considered unbeatable. Have already defeated the Third Coalition, Napoleon and his powerful allies had almost little worry about. In the Napoleon's eyes, those that had not yet joined his empire let oppose him would now beg for his mercy to let them join him or be assimilated eventually by his strategic assaults. Napoleon soon knew that despite his military might there was one power that was still holding out against the French invaders. That one power had the men, and the guns to possibly exploit Napoleon's weakness (if they could be found). One power had the opportunity to unite the remaining of Napoleon's opposition. That one power was the British.

Portugal
Portugal was a big problem for Napoleon, not because of its nonalignment with the French Empire but with Portugal's subtle tradings and aiding of Napoleon's current opponent, the British. Napoleon already knew how to do with this development. He had his highly victorious generals and armies eager and prepared for another success, Protugal's big neighbor Spain was ardent ally for Napoleon, and British (though no easy enemy) was struggling to take a hold of the French Empire. All Napoleon had to do was capture Portugal with his and the Spanish forces, instil the Continental System on the country, and add Portugal to his empire. Soon, the British will struggle more with the loss of one of their aides, and Napoleon will defeat another great European power.