Portugal’s Struggle to Maintain Neutrality (1807) – The Ultimatum from France and Spain

Despite claiming neutrality in the Napoleonic Wars, Portugal continued to uphold its commercial treaties with Britain, its oldest ally in Europe. This defiance infuriated Napoleon, who sought to eliminate British trade and naval access to Iberian ports as part of his Continental System.

The French and Spanish Ultimatum (August 12, 1807)

On August 12, 1807, the French and Spanish ambassadors in Lisbon delivered an ultimatum to Prince Regent João of Braganza, demanding that Portugal:

1. Declare war on Great Britain.
2. Place its fleet under the control of France and Spain.
3. Seize all British goods and trade in Portuguese ports.
4. Arrest all British subjects residing in Portugal.

Portugal’s Attempted Compromise

Faced with immense pressure, João sought a compromise to avoid direct confrontation with France while preserving relations with Britain:

• He agreed to sever diplomatic ties with Britain.
• He closed Portuguese ports to British ships.
• However, he refused to seize British merchants or confiscate their goods.

This partial compliance was not enough for Napoleon, who viewed Portugal’s actions as insufficient and deceptive.

Diplomatic Breakdown – France and Spain Withdraw Their Ambassadors

• On September 30, 1807, in protest of Portugal’s reluctance to fully comply, the French and Spanish ambassadors demanded their passports and left the country.
• This act signaled the collapse of diplomatic negotiations and made French military intervention inevitable.

The Path to War and Invasion

With Portugal failing to meet Napoleon’s full demands, France and Spain prepared for military action.

• Napoleon had already ordered General Jean-Andoche Junot to lead an invasion force into Portugal.
• The secret Treaty of Fontainebleau (October 1807) between France and Spain outlined plans to invade and partition Portugal, with the Braganza dynasty to be removed from power.

By November 1807, French troops would cross the Portuguese border, launching the first French invasion of Portugal and setting the stage for the Peninsular War (1808–1814).