Week 19- The impact of war and the continental system Flashcards
Which two decrees were used to introduce a continental blockade (the continental system)?
1806- Decree of Berlin
November 1807- Decree of Milan
What was the role of the Continental system?
Banned all French trade with Britain and insisted that both France’s allies and other neutral countries should follow suit or be treated as French enemies.
How did Napoleon manage to get the support of many countries to join the continental blockade?
The empire had spread to the boarders of Russia by this time.
Many of these countries, including Russia, joined to prevent further conflict.
What was the economic impact for many countries of cutting ties with Britain?
Britain was an industrial and prominent economic power in Europe.
This resulted in a big loss of funds for many countries.
What did Napoleon try to establish to replace the strong economic ties with Britain that were cut?
Napoleon hoped to establish a strong, interconnected market on the continent.
However, this was not effective enough to replace the economic power of Britain.
What were Napoleon’s aims with the continental system?
Weaken Britain economically, forcing them to sue for peace.
Increase French trade and production to replace losses from the decline of its Atlantic trade.
Why did the continental system fail?
The Navy and control of European coastlines were not strong enough to enforce it.
Smuggling thrived between France and Britain.
Britain’s trade with North and South America made up for their losses.
When did Napoleon trade with Britain to raise funds, going against the blockade?
1810, just as Britain’s economy was weakening due to poor harvests.
This angered other countries who were taking an economic hit by stopping trade with Britain.
What was the impact of Napoleon’s militaristic outlook on the economy?
He implemented a warlike approach to peacetime economy.
Peacetime economy was less easily controlled and had more aspects to consider.
What was the impact of France being largely an agricultural country?
Napoleon did not do enough to improve agriculture.
He focused strongly on industrialisation which was not necessary at the time.
He was also preoccupied with the war and competing with mechanised Britain.
