A invasão de Masséna em 1810 e as linhas de Torres Vedras: uma paradoxaL confluência de objectivos?

Abstract

The campaign of 1810-1811 is revisited and the paradoxical confluence of the objectives of both parties considered as an explanation of its characteristics. The army leaded by Masséna invaded Portugal following instructions that were opposed to the Napoleonic combat, including the siege of fortified towns and a slow evolution inside the enemy’s territory. Wellington surprised the French with the lines of Torres Vedras, a system of campaign fortifications, having the main function of protecting a British reembarkment of his troops. Wellington’s tactics included the destruction of all recourses that could maintain the French, creating an open conflict between the British commander and some members of the council of governors of Portugal.

Keywords

• peninsular war
• Wellington
• Napoleonic Empire
• State of exception