The Continental System Napoleon’s Empire

What was the Continental System? 1807 Napoleon had defeated the great powers in Europe- they reluctantly submitted Britain persisted- they were offering financial assistance to any continental powers that resisted 1805 Britain (Nelson) destroyed Napoleon’s navy Only answer- economic warfare The Berlin Decrees 1806

What were the Berlin Decrees? Reverse blockade- no trading with Britain- bring Britain to her knees Britain’s exports were cut by 20%- British import needs of timber, tar and hemp came from the Baltic- that was shut off Certificates of authenticity, the right to seize any foreign vessel that ever docked in Britain It did hurt Britain but it hurt essentially all Continental trade- bitter resentment among all who were forced to participate

How did the decrees actually hurt France? Only ones enforcing it- too much manpower Smuggling became rampant French trade was hurt Forces Napoleon to invade Spain, Portugal and Russia to enforce compliance Oops. Didn’t see that coming did ya Napoleon!

What occurred in Iberia and Russia? Portugal and Britain had a close relationship Portugal remained neutral throughout the wars, and any neutral country did very well under the Continental system 1807 Portugal was asked by France to abide by the embargo, when they declined France invaded In order to invade Portugal you have to go through Spain Napoleon invade Spain, put his brother Joseph on the throne (a spark for Spanish Nationalism)

What occurred in Iberia and Russia?

What occurred in Iberia and Russia?

What occurred in Iberia and Russia?

What occurred in Iberia and Russia?

The Peninsular War To the Spanish, Napoleon was not a liberator but an oppressor Nationalism sparked from the French Revolution now took root in Spain and the form it took was guerilla warfare Many small unified groups revolted throughout the country- for every revolt was met a savage response, which was itself met by a savage response In 1808 with the help of Arthur Wellesley (former British Duke) the French were forced from Portugal but not Spain. Over the next 6 years Napoleon’s forces and time and money would be seriously sapped by this war

What were the effects of the Peninsular War? Spanish resistance and its connection with nationalism became and example for all of Europe Nationalism was no longer a monolithic idea- liberals, conservatives, secular and clerical members were drawn to it Nationalism increased the resistance to Napoleon’s rule 1810 Tsar Alexander I withdrew Russia from the system- signifying how entrenched nationalism had become All bad news for Bonaparte

What was the impact of Russia? Russian economics was damaged badly by being denied trade with Britain and the seas Napoleon had stated he would help Russia and its dealings with the Ottoman Empire- never happened Alexander I had a comparable ego to Napoleon- couldn’t stand being an understudy to him Napoleon was practical, without Russia in the system, he couldn’t bring Britain to its knees- and in a way, there is evidence to suggest he welcomed the war with Russia

What was the impact of Russia? Diplomacy was not Bonaparte's game- military action was- other than Spain his military politics always worked- so why wouldn’t they work against Russia? Alexander wasn’t dumb to war tactics- he met Napoleon at the western border of Russia to Europe….and lost a few battles…on purpose The French Army had 700,000 soldiers (only 300,000 were French) June of 1812 this army entered Russia

The Russian Campaign As the Russian army retreated into Russia they destroyed all possible supplies- nothing left for the French to re-supply so far from its bases Russia throughout the summer harassed the French army but didn’t attack (and disease infiltrated the army) September 120,000 Russian troops met with Napoleon at Borodino- technically the French won Napoleon entered Moscow- it was empty and burning Russia didn’t surrender, there was no plunder and nothing for his legacy left- Napoleon ordered a retreat in October

The Russian Campaign As the French retreated, the Russians attacked By December of 1812 the 700,000 strong grande armee was down to 100,00 men (Napoleon had long been back in Paris as a coup was being attempted)- see what happened when you leave your empire… With the loss against Russia, his enemies pounced- Wellington rid Iberia of the French, Prussia, Austria and Sweden joined Russia and destroyed a small French force at Leipzig in October of 1813 Napoleon abdicated April 4 1814 and awaited the terms of his enemies

What to do with a problem like Napoleon? Seems easy- but the allies couldn’t agree to what they had just fought for What replaces the Napoleonic Empire? Well first, lets agree to an alliance of military purpose and put a Bourbon back on the throne of France (Louis XVIII) Louis XVIII would essentially agree to anything…and he did. Concordat 1801 and the Code Napoleon stayed and now the allies had a friend in France Next: The Congress of Vienna