Napoleon’s Empire Collapses Three Costly Mistakes

1. The Continental System Blockade against Britain- did not guard against smugglers Napoleon’s brother Louis (now king of Holland) did not follow the policy Britain responded with its own blockade forcing all neutral ships to stop at a British port to be searched and tax --- worked because Britain had a stronger navy.

2. The Peninsular War Invasion of Portugal- to force their compliance with Continental System – Napoleon’s armies march through Spain to Portugal. Spain riots and Napoleon places Joseph, his brother on the thrown, Spain’s nationalism leads to growth or guerrillas and aid from Britain in Peninsular War Napoleon loses 300,000 men

3. The Invasion of Russia Alexander I, Russian Czar, had been Napoleon’s ally, but continued to trade with Britain. Both countries interested in Poland, Napoleon invades. Russia lures Napoleon’s army toward Moscow and burns everything between the border and Moscow- burning fields/killing livestock – Why would Russia practice this policy known as the Scorched Earth Policy? Napoleon narrowly receives victory at Battle of Borodino and takes Moscow- which he finds in flames. Napoleon retreats 5 weeks later.

Napoleon’s Downfall Enemies take advantage of weakness- form Fourth Coalition- Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Sweden Fourth coalition defeats Napoleon outside the German city of Leipzig in October 1813 Empire crumbles and Napoleon is banished to island of Elba off the Italian coast at age 45 When Napoleon hears that King Louis XVIII is unpopular he escapes Elba and tries to regain power on March 1, Napoleon is again crowned emperor and welcomed back until the European allies led by the British Army respond and meet him for battle near the village of Waterloo in Belgium.Waterloo Napoleon is defeated and his Hundred Days ends and Napoleon is banished to St. Helena. – Why do you think Napoleon was able to regain power?