afrancesado

Spanish faction

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July 23, 2026

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The term "afrancesados" refers to a faction in Spain during the early 19th century who supported French rule and reforms. These individuals, often administrators and soldiers, believed resistance to Napoleon was futile and that he could modernize Spain.12

During the French invasion and the War of Independence, the afrancesados supported Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, as king. However, their support was underestimated by Napoleon, who faced widespread popular resistance. Despite initial French military successes, the Spanish regular army and guerrilla fighters, aided by British troops, eventually forced the French withdrawal. The afrancesados were often viewed as collaborators, creating an internal division within Spanish liberalism.12

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Spain
The French invasion and the War of Independence, 1808–14
These groups became convinced afrancesados, as members of the pro-French party were pejoratively called. Relying on their support, Napoleon entirely underestimated the possibility of popular resistance to the occupation of Spain by French armies. Although the uprising of May 2, 1808, in Madrid was suppressed, local uprisings against the…
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These groups became convinced afrancesados, as members of the pro-French party were pejoratively called. Relying on their support, Napoleon entirely underestimated the possibility of popular resistance to the occupation of Spain by French armies. Although the uprising of May 2, 1808, in Madrid was suppressed, local uprisings against the…
Read More