European Response to the Empire

Napoleon abandoned feudal privileges in the conquered states Churches lost their power

German Nationalism and Prussian Reform No German state yet. Kant or Lessing were not nationalistic Romantic movement began at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The movement helped flourish nationalism in Germany. Two stages of development of nationalism in Germany: 1) unique and admirable qualities of German culture in art 2) Defeat at Jena in 1806 fostered nationalistic feelings among German-speaking people

An understanding of establishing a German state that would be founded on the grounds of common culture and language Only Prussia could be able achieve such end. King Frederick William (r. 1797-1840) feared of nationalism

Administrative and social reforms were required and they were implemented by Baron vom Stein and Prince von Handenberg. Reforms did not aim at putting an end to the monarchy but to reform it so as to survive under the French threat.

Reforms had the following implications Broke the Junker monopoly of landholding Serfdom was abolished Improvements in military: Napoleon restricted Prussia to hold an army not more than 42000 men. This situation lasted until 1813. What Prussians did was to train a different group soldiers each year; therefore, they could hold a 270.000 soldiers in 1814.

The Wars of Liberation Spain: France and Spain were allies since 1796. French army stayed in Spain, although its goal was to force Portugal cut its trade ties with Britain. In 1808 Napoleon appointed his brother Joseph I to the throne by replacing the present Spanish Bourbons in power. British supported the Spanish insurgency and guerrilla warfare.

Austria. Austrians made a miscalculation of the position of the French by trying take a revenge of Austerlitz defeat. In return, Austrians took another defeat at the Battle of Wagram. Austria lost territory and Austrian archduchess Marie Lousie

Invasion of Russia Tilsit agreement was established on shaky ground. Russians did not much like the ideas of revolution (no surprise), but also the continental system (remember the French prohibition on the conquered land to make trade with Britain) Napoleon annoyed Tsar Alexander: Extending its land at Wagram Annexation of Holland was a violation of the Treaty of Tilsit French marshal Bernadotte was recognized as the future King Charles XIV of Sweden Marriage to Marie Lousie

In 1810 Russia withdrew from war and started preparing for war. Napoleon was determined to end the Russian threat, and he prepared more than 600.000 men. Russians, tactically, retreated before the campaign of Napoleon. They had only 160.000 men. They followed a “scorched-earth” policy, destroying all food and supplies as they retreated. The French army continued its walk towards Moscow.

Russians were ready for the war, despited the canny general Mikhail Kuzutov tried hard to prevent the army confronting the Napoleon’s army, as he thought that the winter eventually would give a massive harm to French soldiers. The result was the war at Borodino. It was the bloodiest of the Napoleonic wars. 30,000 French and twice as much as Russian soldiers died. None could win, but Russian army was not destroyed. Russians set Moscow fire and left the city to the control of the French army. Napoleon offered peace offers but Russians declined. The French army could survive the fierce Russian winter. They had to leave the country, after loosing many soldiers behind.

European Coalition Napoleon could raise another 350,00 men. None of the countries were eager for yet another war against France. Austrian foreign minister, Prince Klemens von Metternich, would prefer making peace with Napoleon instead of a Russian domination.

Last coalition: Although Napoleon could defeat the coalition at Dresden, his army lost at Leipzig. Allied forces marched into Paris and Napoleon abdicated and went into exile on the island of Elba.