1. NAPOLEON’S EMPIRE COLLAPSES
Chapter 23.4

2. Napoleon’s 3 Mistakes The Continental System The Peninsular War
The Invasion of Russia

3. The Continental System
A blockade
A forcible closing of ports, preventing trade & communication
Occurred between England & all other European nations

4. 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

5. The Peninsular War 1808 France vs. Portugal
Portugal against the Continental System
France (Napoleon) had to go through Spain to get to Portugal

6. 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

8. 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

9. The Invasion of Russia 1812 Napoleon invades Russia
Why? Russia sold grain to Britain
Czar Alexander I burnt down Moscow before Napoleon arrived

10. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. The Hundred Days Napoleon escaped Elba 1815
became emperor of France…again!
Napoleon’s last bid for power

15. 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