Napoleon’s Empire Collapses

3 Mistakes of Napoleon The Continental System The Peninsular War 1806 The Peninsular War 1808 The Invasion of Russia 1812

Continental System End result: After Trafalgar, Napoleon attempts to blockade economic trade between England and Europe This “economic war” failed End result: It weakened economies in Europe It was ignored by many of his allies

The Peninsular War 1808-1813 Portugal ignored Continental System Sent Army to Spain to Invade Portugal Napoleon placed brother on throne of Spain Led to guerrilla warfare in Spain Napoleon lost 300,000 men during this war

The Invasion of Russia Russian Czar refused to stop selling grain to Britain June 1812 Napoleon invades Russia with 600,000 troops Only 10,000 return

Russia’s Military Strategy Scorched-earth policy June 1812 Temperature

Napoleon’s Downfall Britain, Russia, Prussia & Sweden join forces against FRANCE Napoleon quickly raised another army By June of 1815 Napoleon was crushed at Waterloo sent off to exile on St. Helena island at 45-years of age

End Result of Napoleon The Napoleonic wars did not provide any lasting gains for France although they did affect military power in Europe & military strategy The Napoleonic Code & some other reforms proved lasting Tocqueville said “He was as great as a man can be without virtue”