Note {145-2} — Front matter (continued 3)

2.{145-2} una parte ... siglo. The French armies entered the Spanish peninsula in 1807, and were finally expelled by the combined Spanish, English and Portuguese forces in 1814. To this day the Spaniards are fond of telling in song and story the brave exploits of their forefathers who fought against Napoleon's men. The French devastated parts of the country, but they also brought with them many new ideas that helped to awaken Spain from its torpor. This war is known in England as the "Peninsular War", and in Spain as the "Guerra de la Independencia" (War of Independence).