From Euphoria to Ruin: Napoleon and Spain’s Downfall
By Håkon Bakøy
The Surrender of Bailén by José Casado del Alisal
Abstract:
The aim of this article is to examine how the victory mentality led Napoleon to commit his greatest blunder—the invasion of Spain in 1807. This invasion is widely regarded as Napoleon’s most significant mistake. But how did he arrive at this point?
This article seeks to demonstrate how the intoxication of victory clouded Napoleon’s judgment, making him believe that nothing could halt the French army. This will be explored through speeches, letters, descriptions, and newspaper articles. The victory mentality was a triumphant sentiment that had developed over years of warfare; it did not emerge suddenly in this conflict. However, as this article will argue, it is at this moment that we see its greatest effect. From the suffering of Eylau to the triumphs of Jena/Auerstädt and Friedland, and ultimately to the success of Tilsit, Napoleon came to believe that he could fulfill his grandest ambitions without opposition.
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