In 1808, a spontaneous street revolt in Madrid sparked a nationwide war against Napoleon
When Napoleon's troops attempted to remove the last members of the Spanish royals from Madrid, a fierce street battle erupted that transformed a local riot into a six-year struggle for independence.
On May 2, 1808, the citizens of Madrid rose up against the occupying French forces of Napoleon Bonaparte. What began as a desperate attempt to stop the departure of the royal family quickly turned into a bloody street war. Ordinary people armed with knives and stones faced off against elite French cavalry, including the famous Mamelukes.
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