1. From Emperor to Exile: The Fall of Napoleon Bonaparte

2. Napoleon’s Three Biggest Mistakes The Continental System The Peninsular War The Invasion of Russia

3. The Continental System November 1806, Napoleon set up a blockade to prevent all trade and communication between Britain and Europe. However, not tight enough; allies disregarded it, including own brother Louis, king of Holland. Britain responded back; due to naval superiority their was more successful.

4. The Peninsular War 1808, Napoleon wants Portugal to accept Continental System. Sends invasion force through Spain to get there. Spanish protested. Napoleon removes the Spanish king and puts his brother Joseph on the throne. Spanish guerillas strike at French army.

6. The Peninsular War, Ctd. Major effects of the Peninsular War: Napoleon lost about 300,000 troops. Inspired nationalism, or loyalty to one’s own country, in enemies of the French.

7. The Invasion of Russia Napoleon’s BIGGEST mistake. Czar Alexander I was Napoleon’s ally. However, refused to stop selling grain to Britain. Russia and France believed each was looking to take Poland. Result: Napoleon decides to invade June 1812.

8. The Invasion of Russia, Ctd. Russian troops engage in scorched-earth policy; leave nothing to eat for advancing French. Eventual result: Napoleon forced to retreat from Moscow in October; falling temperatures and Russian attacks destroy the retreating French in November and December. Started with Grand Army of 420,000; by the end, only 10,000 who could still fight.

11. The Battle of Leipzig Following Russian disaster, Britain, Russia, Prussia, Sweden, and Austria joined against Napoleon. Led by Czar Alexander I, allied forces defeat Napoleon outside German city of Leipzig in October 1813. April 1814, Napoleon abdicates and accepts exile on island of Elba.

13. The Hundred Days March 1, 1814, Napoleon lands in France after escaping Elba. Thousands volunteer for his armies. In response, his enemies send their armies. Decisive battle fought at Waterloo on June 18, 1815; British led by Duke of Wellington. Napoleon defeated for good.

14. Alexis de Tocqueville on Napoleon: “He was as great as a man can be without virtue.”