Napoleon’s Empire Collapses Chapter 7 Section 4

Introduction After setting up a large empire, Napoleon wondered what would happen after he died. He had the same issue as Henry VIII. Divorced, and remarried Marie Louise (Austria). In 1811, she gave birth to Napoleon II.

Napoleons’ Three Mistakes Napoleon’s desire for power led him to great heights, but it also led to his demise. The Continental System The Peninsular War The Invasion of Russia

The Continental System Supposed to make continental Europe self- sufficient. Napoleon also wanted to destroy Britain’s economy. Set up an unsuccessful blockade. Britain returns the favor, successfully.

The Peninsular War Napoleon sent an invasion force through Spain to get Portugal to accept the Continental System. The Spanish were upset. Napoleon removed the Spanish king and gave the throne to his brother. This inflamed Spain’s nationalistic feelings. Spanish guerillas, peasant fighters, fought French armies for six years.

The Invasion of Russia Russia refused to stop selling grain to Britain. Napoleon decides to invade his ally, Russia. As Napoleon advanced, Alexander I pulled back his troops practicing a scorched-earth policy. Napoleon decided to retreat in October. Russia attacked the French army. Napoleon lost 410,000 soldiers in less than 6 months.

Napoleon’s Downfall Britain, Russia, Prussia, Sweden and even Austria, were quick to attack Napoleon while he was weak. All the main European powers were now at war with France. Prussian and Russian troops attacked the French capital. Napoleon’s generals refused to fight. 1814 – Napoleon surrendered and gave up his throne. He was exiled to Elba.

Napoleon Returns Louis XVI’s brother, Louis XVIII, took over. Unpopular, suspected to undo the reforms Napoleon escapes from Elba and volunteers quickly join his army. Within days, he was the emperor, again.

Napoleon Returns 1815 - His army attacks the British at Waterloo. British were led by the Duke of Wellington. Sir Arthur Wellesley British and Prussia defeat Napoleon.

Hundred Days This defeat ended Napoleon’s last bid for power, called the Hundred Days. The British shipped Napoleon to St. Helena, an island in the South Atlantic. Lived in exile for six years where he died. Napoleon’s defeat opened the door for the freed European countries to establish a new order.

Introduction After Napoleon’s defeat, European leaders wanted peace and stability. The Congress of Vienna was called to set up policies to achieve the goal of collective security and stability for the entire continent. Most decisions made during these meetings were among the representatives of the five great powers: Russia, Prussia, Austria, Great Britain and France.

Prince Klemens von Metternich The most influential person at the CoV. He distrusted the democratic ideas of the French Rev. Three main goals of the CoV: strengthen countries surrounding France to prevent future French aggression create a balance of power in Europe restore Europe’s royal families to their thrones

Political Changes Beyond Vienna Britain and France had constitutional monarchies. Eastern and Central Europe were more conservative. Russia, Prussia and Austria had absolute monarchies.

Long-Term Legacy Results of Congress of Vienna: France’s power and size were weakened. Britain and Prussia’s power increased. Nationalistic feelings grew in countries placed under foreign rule. Results of French Revolution: People began to see democracy as the best way to ensure equality and justice for all. Changed the social attitudes and assumptions that had dominated Europe for centuries.