NAPOLEON’S EMPIRE COLLAPSES Chapter 23.4
Napoleon’s 3 Mistakes The Continental System The Peninsular War The Invasion of Russia
The Continental System A blockade A forcible closing of ports, preventing trade & communication Occurred between England & all other European nations
The Continental System WHY SO BAD? Countries going behind Napoleon’s back and trading with England England started own blockade (successful) Weakened economy of France
The Peninsular War 1808 France vs. Portugal Portugal against the Continental System France (Napoleon) had to go through Spain to get to Portugal
The Peninsular War Spain hated France, so they fought back SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? Spain hated France, so they fought back Guerrilla warfare: fighters who ambushed troops, hurt French troops Lost 300,000 French troops without even getting to Portugal
Nationalism loyalty to one’s country became a powerful weapon against Napoleon Conquered people of the German states and Italian territories started resenting Napoleon and the French
The Invasion of Russia 1812 Napoleon invades Russia Why? Russia sold grain to Britain Czar Alexander I burnt down Moscow before Napoleon arrived
The Invasion of Russia Scorched-earth policy: burning grain-fields & killing livestock to leave nothing for French to use Russian winter killed the majority of French troops Sent out 422,000 troops, came home with 10,000
Napoleon’s Downfall European countries began to see his weakness and took advantage Moved armies toward France & eventually Paris April 1814 Napoleon abdicated, or gave up, his thrown Banished to Elba (island off of Italy)
The Hundred Days Louis XVIII took over France, but very unpopular Brother of Louis XVI (#17 died in prison) Napoleon suspected that King Louis XVIII trying to undo reforms
The Hundred Days Napoleon escaped Elba 1815 became emperor of France…again! Napoleon’s last bid for power
Battle of Waterloo June 18, 1815 Napoleon v. European coalition of armies Napoleon lost exiled to St. Helena in the South Atlantic 1821 died of stomach cancer