Battle of Bailén

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.

Napoleon had underestimated Spanish resistance. Dupont had invaded Andalusia with the objective of taking Seville. But the insurrection cut his lines of communication. Far from any reinforcement, his army was isolated, weakened, and harassed.

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.

This was the first major surrender of a Napoleonic army. The shock in Europe was immense. Joseph Bonaparte temporarily abandoned Madrid. The coalition regained confidence, Austria prepared for a new war, and Napoleon had to intervene personally in Spain a few months later.