Battle of Bailén
Peninsular War · Bailén, Andalusia (Spain)
Summary
The Battle of Bailén opposed General Dupont's French troops, isolated in the Guadalquivir valley, to the Spanish armies of Castaños and Reding. After several days of skirmishing, the French attempted a breakthrough but were caught in a pincer. Overwhelmed by heat, lack of supplies, and encirclement, Dupont capitulated with his entire army.
Historical context
After the 2 May 1808 Madrid uprising, Spain revolted against French occupation. Dupont, marching on Cádiz, was cut off from supply lines by guerrillas and Andalusian militias. Castaños gathered an army of 30,000 Spaniards to block French retreat toward France.
Tactics
Castaños blocked the route to the north, Reding pushed from the south. Dupont attempted a desperate breakthrough, but his troops were exhausted and disorganized. The Spanish used thick infantry lines, advanced skirmishers, mobile artillery, and cavalry to harass French columns. The scorching, open terrain trapped the French.
Consequences
Joseph Bonaparte had to evacuate Madrid; Napoleon intervened personally in 1808 with the Grande Armée. Bailén destroyed French invincibility myth and launched the Peninsular War, the 'Spanish ulcer' that would exhaust the Empire. Dupont was tried and stripped of rank on return to France.