Continental System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is Napoleon's goal?

To become the Master of Europe

What happens in the Battle of Trafalgar?

The British Navy defeats the French

What happens as a result of the Battle of Trafalgar?

Napoleon sets up the Continental System

What is the Continental System?

Napoleon set up a blockade against the British Isles and forbade any French and French Allies to trade with the British Signup and view all the answers

How long did the Continental System last?

From 1806 to 1812 Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Continental System fail? (List 4 reasons)

<ol> <li>The blockade wasn't tight enough leading to smugglers. 2. France is unable to supply the goods that the British provided. 3. Britain uses its own blockade leading to the War of 1812 with the US. 4. Britain finds other markets to trade with, such as Latin America.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What happens ultimately with the Continental System?

It hurts France's economy more than the British's economy Signup and view all the answers

What event led to Napoleon's downfall?

France's attempt to invade Russia Signup and view all the answers

Why were the French unsuccessful in taking over Russia? (List 5 reasons)

<ol> <li>Russia is too big and too cold. 2. The Russians do not fight. 3. The Russians use the Scorched Earth Policy, and Moscow is abandoned and burned. 4. The French Army was made up of mercenaries and soldiers that were captured by Napoleon. 5. Winter sets in causing deaths, abandonment, and mutinies.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are mutinies?

Rebellion between soldiers and their officers Signup and view all the answers

What happens in October of 1813?

"Battle of the Nations" - The European coalition attacks France and defeats them, causing Napoleon's empire to crumble Signup and view all the answers

Where is Napoleon exiled to?

Elba Signup and view all the answers

Who takes back the throne after Napoleon?

Louis XVIII Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Napoleon after escaping from exile?

He returns for the Hundred Days Rule Signup and view all the answers

When was the Battle of Waterloo and what happens then?

In June 1815, Napoleon was beaten badly and is exiled again. Signup and view all the answers

When does Napoleon die?

1821 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Napoleon's Goals and Strategies

Napoleon aimed to establish himself as the "Master of Europe."
The British Navy achieved victory over the French at the Battle of Trafalgar, impacting Napoleon's naval ambitions.

The Continental System

Established by Napoleon to blockade British trade, forbidding French and allied countries from engaging in commerce with Britain.
The Continental System was in effect from 1806 to 1812.

Reasons for Failure of the Continental System

The blockade was ineffective, allowing smugglers to undermine its goals.
France struggled to provide substitutes for goods previously supplied by Britain.
Britain's own blockade provoked the War of 1812 with the United States.
Britain successfully found alternative markets, notably in Latin America.
Ultimately, the system damaged France's economy more than that of Britain.

Decline of Napoleon

Napoleon’s failed invasion of Russia marked a crucial turning point in his reign.
Reasons for failure in the Russian campaign included:
- Russia's vast territory and harsh climate.
- The Russian military's strategy of avoidance rather than direct engagement.
- The Scorched Earth Policy, leading to the abandonment and destruction of Moscow.
- The French military comprised largely of mercenaries and previously captured soldiers.
- Severe winter conditions caused troop casualties, desertions, and mutiny.

Consequences and Exile

The "Battle of the Nations" in October 1813 saw a coalition of European forces defeat Napoleon, leading to the collapse of his empire.
Napoleon was exiled to Elba following his defeat.
Louis XVIII was restored to the French throne after Napoleon's abdication.
Napoleon escaped from Elba, initiating his brief return, called the Hundred Days.

Final Defeats and Death

The Battle of Waterloo occurred in June 1815, resulting in a decisive defeat for Napoleon, leading to his second exile.
Napoleon died in 1821.

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Explore the key concepts and events surrounding Napoleon's Continental System through these flashcards. Learn about Napoleon's ambitions, the Battle of Trafalgar, and the implications of the blockade against Britain. This quiz will enhance your understanding of this pivotal period in European history.