Napoleon enters Madrid

In May 1808, when Napoleon obtained the abdication of Charles IV of Spain for the benefit of his brother Joseph, Madrid and all of Spain rose up against the French troops and led to an uprising in the country. Pushed out of Madrid by the Spaniards supported by English troops, the French soldiers, led by Joseph, had no other choice but to call for Napoleon for reinforcements, who then marched to reconquer Spain. He arrived at the gates of Madrid on December 2, 1808, where he pillaged, until the city's surrender on December 5. Badly received, the Emperor returned to Chamartin where he had established his headquarters.
This plate shows the episode where, four days later, a delegation finally comes to pay homage to him and swear loyalty to King Joseph. The rest of the inhabitants of Madrid followed within the month.
After this difficult rebellion on the part of the Spaniards, Napoleon appears as commander in chief restoring the balance.