Sunday, Dec 07, 2014
- The Fall of Napoleon
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Aura of Invincibility
- Napoleon appeared to be invincible. Many called him the greatest military commander in European history.
- Napoleon’s insatiable desire for power led him to make three disastrous mistakes that led to his downfall.
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The Continental System
- In 1806, Napoleon closed all European ports to British ships and goods.
- Napoleon hoped that his Continental System would create a depression in Great Britain while promoting French prosperity.
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Guerrilla Warfare in Spain
- In 1808, Napoleon deposed Spain’s Bourbon rulers and installed his brother Joseph. This ill-advised action outraged the Spanish people.
- Bands of Spanish fighters known as guerrillas repeatedly ambushed French troops and then fled into hiding. During the next five years, France lost almost 300,000 men. The losses contributed to Napoleon’s ultimate defeat.
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The Invasion of Russia
- The Continental System prevented Russia from exporting grain to Great Britain. When Tsar Alexander I (r. 1801-1825) refused to stop this vital trade, Napoleon prepared to invade Russia.
- Napoleon’s Grand Army reached Moscow. However, Alexander refused to surrender, thus forcing Napoleon to retreat. A combination of bitterly cold weather, disease, and merciless Russian attacks decimated Napoleon’s army.