Madrid Uprising Against French Occupation Begins
Napoleon’s forces had occupied Madrid in early 1808 under the pretext of supporting Spanish allies, but tensions escalated when French troops began removing members of the Spanish royal family to Bayonne. On the morning of May 2, crowds gathered near the Royal Palace to protest the departure of the Infanta and other royals. The situation turned violent as civilians attacked French soldiers, including Mameluke cavalry, with knives, stones, and whatever weapons they could seize. Junior Spanish officers at the Monteleón artillery park joined the fight, holding out briefly before being overwhelmed. French commander Joachim Murat ordered ruthless suppression, resulting in dozens killed in the streets and mass executions the following day. The events were later immortalized in Goya’s paintings and...