Battle of Vitoria
Peninsular War (1813 Campaign) · Vitoria, Basque Country, Spain
Summary
On 21 June 1813 at Vitoria in the Spanish Basque Country, Wellington crushed the French army of Joseph Bonaparte and Marshal Jourdan. French lost 151 guns, all their train and baggage, loot so great that allied soldiers abandoned pursuit to plunder. Victory opened the road to France and hastened the Empire's fall in Spain.
Historical context
After retreat from Burgos (1812), French held a line on the Ebro. Wellington, reinforced by Spanish troops, outflanked the French position from the north and struck Vitoria, where Joseph Bonaparte had established his court. Surprised French had to fight in retreat with an immense baggage convoy.
Tactics
Wellington attacked in three converging columns: Graham on the right, Picton in center, Hill on the left. French divisions successively held each position but were progressively outflanked. Jourdan and Joseph Bonaparte ordered retreat abandoning artillery, ammunition, and Spanish royal treasure; confusion was total.
Consequences
French evacuated Spain within weeks; Soult resisted in retreat through the Pyrenees. Wellington entered France via Roncevaux pass. Vitoria was celebrated by Beethoven (Wellington's Victory) and marked the turning point of the Peninsular War in favor of the Allies.