Portugal, Invasion of
Years: 1807 - 1807
The Invasion of Portugal (November 19–30, 1807) sees an Imperial French corps under Jean-Andoche Junot invade the Kingdom of Portugal, which is headed by its Prince Regent John of Braganza.
The military operation results in the almost bloodless occupation of Portugal.
The French presence is challenged by the Portuguese people and by the United Kingdom in 1808.
The invasion marks the start of the Peninsular War, part of the Napoleonic Wars.
Threatened by a humiliating ultimatum from Napoleon, the Portuguese government accedes to most of the demands of the French emperor.
Nevertheless, Napoleon orders Junot to commence the invasion, with the cooperation of three divisions from the Kingdom of Spain.
Paralyzed by fear and indecision, the Portuguese authorities offer no resistance.
Junot occupies Lisbon on November 30, 1807 to find that John and many of the leading families have left for Brazil aboard the Portuguese fleet.
The French quickly occupy the entire country and appropriate or disband the Portuguese army.
The following year sees the Portuguese revolt against their occupiers.
The next action is the Battle of Évora in July 1808.
