Napoleon’s Empire Euro – Ch. 20

Napoleon vs. England To stem Napoleon’s territorial drive in the America’s, Britain declares war on France. Napoleon was never able to invade England because of the powerful British Navy. Napoleon instead instituted the Continental System to cut Britain off from all trade.

Napoleon in Europe Although unsuccessful on the sea, Napoleon’s armies conquered much of central Europe. Almost every major nation was conquered or was allied with France. Russia pulls out of the Continental System and prepares for war with Napoleon.

The Invasion of Russia Napoleon’s Grand Army of over 600,000 troops invade Russia in the late summer of 1812. The Russian army refuses direct confrontation and employs a “scorched-earth” strategy. Bad weather, cut supply lines, and a disastrous battle force Napoleon to retreat. Only 100,000 troops make it back to France.

The Defeat of Napoleon Napoleon was defeated by a coalition of European armies in 1813. Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba. Napoleon escapes and for 100 days rules France until defeated at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815 by the Duke of Wellington. Napoleon is then exiled for good to the island of St. Helena.