Napoleon’s Empire Collapses 23.4 and 23.5 Notes

Napoleon’s final defeat Ordered a blockade to prevent trade and communication between Great Britain and other European nations It weakened economies of France and other lands under Napoleon’s control more than it damaged Britain.

Napoleon’s final defeat Sent an army to invade Portugal and began the Peninsular War Loss of many soldiers weakened French Empire; enflamed nationalistic feelings encouraged conquered peoples to turn against French

Napoleon’s final defeat In June 1812, invaded Russia with his Grand Army Desperate French soldiers deserted in search of food because of Russian scorched-earth policy

Napoleon’s final defeat Entered Moscow on September 14, 1812, and stayed in the ruined city for five weeks Unable to advance further, French soldiers retreated; all but 10,000 died of exhaustion, hunger and the cold.

Napoleon’s final defeat Raised another army and fought the Battle of Leipzig Coalition defeated inexperienced French army; Napoleon’s empire crumbled

Napoleon’s final defeat Escaped Elba, reclaimed title of emperor, and fought Battle of Waterloo European armies defeated French forces and ended Napoleon’s last bid for power During the 100 Days, Napoleon ruled as emperor of France until he was defeated in battle near Waterloo and he was exiled to St. Helena

Congress of Vienna Members and Representatives Five European “great powers” – Austria, Prussia, and Russia represented by their rulers and Britain and France by their foreign ministers

Congress of Vienna Goals Establish lasting peace and stability in Europe; prevent future French aggression; restore balance of power; restore royal families to thrones

Congress of Vienna Actions Taken Formed Kingdom of the Netherlands; created German Confederation; recognized independence of Switzerland’ added Genoa to Kingdom of Sardinia; required France to return territories eonquered by Napoleon but left France a major power’ affirmed principle of legitimacy

Congress of Vienna Legacy Short-term: Conservatives regained control of governments; triggered revolts in colonies Long-term: Created an age of peace in Europe; diminished power of France and increased power of Britain and Prussia; sparked growth of nationalism

Creating Peace and Stability in Europe Klemens von Metternich sought to maintain peace between European nations by creating a balance of power among rival countries so no country would be a threat to others. To guard against revolutions, he set up a series of alliances called the Concert of Europe, which required nations to help one another if a revolution erupted.