Mémoires du maréchal Marmont, duc de Raguse (4/9)

In these memoirs a senior French commander reflects on the tumultuous early years of the Napoleonic wars, setting the stage with a concise portrait of the Iberian Peninsula before the French invasion. He outlines the strategic missteps that plagued Napoleon’s plans, the difficulty of marching into Spain and Portugal, and the complex interplay of local politics, royal ambitions, and lingering religious fervor. The narrative weaves together vivid battlefield sketches—such as the contested towns of Saragosse and Busaco—with an appraisal of the broader social decline that had eroded Spain’s once‑great power.

The second part turns to Marmont’s own experience leading the so‑called “army of Portugal,” detailing the logistical hardships, strained finances, and the stubborn resistance of both French and Allied forces. He recounts the grueling marches across rugged terrain, the precarious supply lines, and the heavy toll on morale as French troops confronted a resilient enemy and an unforgiving landscape. Throughout, his candid observations reveal the human side of a massive campaign, offering listeners a nuanced glimpse into a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter of European history.