Spanish Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1): 1793–1808 (Men-at-Arms)

The Spanish Army was transformed during the 18th century by an influx of progressive officers who modernised and expanded it. It was closely modelled on the French armies of Louis XIV and Louis XV in tactical doctrine, organisation, armament and uniforms. In battle, they were often brave to the point of carelessness, and were thus sometimes difficult to control. The army also had several Swiss and Walloon regiments, less given to all-out attacks, but renowned for their steadiness under fire. In this first of three volumes, Réne Chartrand examines the organisation and uniforms of the Spanish Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). An illustrated military history in the MEN-AT-ARMS series as well as being the first in a three volume set on the subject of the Spanish army of the Napoleonic Wars. It covers the years from 1793 to 1808 and includes the 1801 War of the Oranges in Portugal and the 1808 Spanish victory at Bailen. During the reign of King Carlos III (1759-1788), Spain enjoyed a revival as a major European power.