IRUN AND HONDARRIBIA IN THE WAR AGAINST THE FRENCH CONVENTION: 1793-1794

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In 1789, the French Revolution abolished the monarchy and brought great political and social changes, choosing a parliament called the National Convention that drafted a new Constitution. The European monarchies, feeling threatened, formed a coalition, with Spain joining in August 1792. On March 7, 1793 the French National Convention declared war on Spain.

Two campaigns were prosecuted at the border of the Bidasoa, Irun, and Hondarribia. The first, from April 1793 until February 1794, favored the Spanish, in which the fort of Hendaia was destroyed and the Spanish dominated the two banks of the river with fortified posts in Biriatu and Tellatueta. However, during the second, the French, reinforced with many troops, advanced to occupy Baztan in June of 1794 and the successfully captures San Marcial in Irun and Hondarribia Square. The conflict ended on July 22, 1795 with the signing of the peace of Basel.