1. Napoleon’s 3 Costly Mistakes

2. 1) The Continental System
ordered a blockade (forced all ports to close) to stop trade between Britain and Europe
goal to isolate Britain
weakened trade, but didn’t destroy it (smuggling)
Britain blockaded all neutral ships
hurt Napoleon’s empire more than his enemies

3. 1) The Continental System

4. 2) The Peninsular War Went through Spain to invade Portugal
Spanish rioted, so he deposed (kicked out) the Spanish king and replaced him with his brother, Joseph
Guerillas (Spanish peasant fighters) ambushed Napoleon’s troops, which weakened France
Spanish proved importance of nationalism

5. 2) The Peninsular War

6. 3) Invasion of Russia
French ally, Russia, sold grain to Britain (French enemy), so Napoleon invaded
most French troops were drafted, and felt little loyalty
Russians used a scorched-earth policy (burned fields and slaughtered livestock to starve soldiers into surrendering)
Attacks and cold weather nearly wiped out the French army

7. 3) Invasion of Russia

8. NAPOLEON’S FINAL DEFEAT
After attempting to make a comeback (Hundred Days) and re-conquer France, Napoleon’s army was defeated by the British and Prussians at Waterloo (in Belgium, 1815)