Napoleon’s Empire Collapses Section 7-4

Napoleon’s Continental System Preventing all trade and communication between Britain and mainland Europe Napoleon put up a blockade (a forced closing of all ports) to do this Many nations ignored this and stilled traded with Britain (smugglers) Britain responded with its own blockade (they had a stronger navy)

The War of 1812 2nd war between Britain and the US Caused by British impressment of American ships (forcing neutral ships into British harbors, then searched and taxed them) Lasted 2 years

Peninsular War To get Portugal to accept the Continental system Napoleon sent a force through Spain The Spanish protested, Napoleon removed the Spanish king & put his brother on the throne This stirred nationalistic feelings in the Spanish people For 6 year guerrillas attacked Napoleon’s army

The Invasion of Russia Was Napoleon’s biggest blunder Napoleon invaded Russia because they were selling goods to Britain The Russians used the scorched earth policy-retreat & burn anything that can be used by the enemy (Napoleon) Napoleon got caught by the Russian winter and lost most of his army As he retreated other nations began attacking what was left of his forces

Napoleon’s End? He rebuilt his army but it contained young untrained soldiers His forces were quickly defeated by the other nations in Europe Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba

The Hundred Days Napoleon’s last bid for power Napoleon heard of the problems with the new French king and escaped Elba so that he could return to France Thousands of volunteers joined Napoleon’s army and the nations of Europe responded He made his last stand at Waterloo vs. the Duke of Wellington Napoleon was defeated and exiled to St. Helena a small remote island in the South Atlantic