the continental blockade Flashcards
1
Q
overiview
A
- Napoleon overextends himself
- 1808 invades and occupies the papal states imprisoning pope Pius in order to have them follow the continental system
- By 1814 he has been defeated by the quadruple alliance (Britain, Prussia, Austria and Russia) having lost the battle of the nations in October 1813
- Deposed from power by the treaty of fontainebleau (11 April 1814)
- Stripped off his title as emperors
- Made ruler of the island of Elba
- Stayed on Elba for 300 days before escaping back to France
2
Q
Continental blockade - overview
A
- Empire continues to grow until 1811
- But decline was evident from 1808 onwards
- By 1811 the french empire (France and annexed states) consisted of 130 department 44 million population and 32 army divisions
- Grand empire (France and satellite states ) had a population of 80 million
- Blockade brought about 2 wars against Spain and Russia
- Embarrassing defeat against Russia also triggers the 4th coalition
3
Q
Continental blockage - who
A
- France and conquered Europe and France’s allies (Russia, treaty of Tilsit 1807) vs Britain
- Custom official - tripled between 1797 and 1801 in order to enforce the continental blockade
- Gendarmerie and soldiers responsible for enforcing it
4
Q
Continental blockade - what
A
- Banned trade with Britain
5
Q
continental block - where
A
From the Mediterranean to the white sea
6
Q
continental block - when
A
- 1793 - British goods prohibited from entering France’s territories
- Extended in 1806 in Berlin decrease and 1807 in the Milan treaties
7
Q
continental block - why
A
- To weaken Britain
Expand the European market for french goods - Increase the cohesion of the Napoleonic empire
8
Q
Why was the continental block age a liability
A
- Led directly to war
- Difficult to impose
- Encouraged disobedience (smuggling)
- Led to Britain retaliation 4
- Has a more negative than positive impact on french economy
