Napoleon’s Empire

CollapsesCh. 7, Section 4

Napoleon’s Conquests

• Aroused nationalistic feelings across Europe and contributed to his downfall.

• Nationalism = belief people should be loyal to their nation rather than a king or empire

Napoleon’s Costly Mistakes1. The Continental System2. The Peninsular War3. The Invasion of Russia

The Continental

System

• Continental System - economic plan to strengthen Europe, weaken Britain by isolating Britain

• Napoleon strikes Britain through blockade– Smugglers, uncooperative allies make blockade fail– Britain responds with its own blockade, led by its stronger navy

The Peninsular War• Napoleon sends troops

across Spain to attack Portugal

• Napoleon makes brother king of Spain

• Spanish use guerrilla warfare

• Napoleon loses 300,000 soldiers

• Nationalist rebels fight French in other conquered territories

The Iberian Peninsula

British Cartoon British Cartoon

The Invasion of Russia

• Relations with Russia break down, Napoleon invades with 420,000 men

• Russians use scorched-earth policy• Russians retreat from Moscow and burn the city• Napoleon retreats, with high casualties

Napoleon’s Retreat from Moscow (Early 1813)

Napoleon’s Retreat from Moscow (Early 1813)

100,000 French troops retreat—40,000 survive!100,000 French troops retreat—40,000 survive!

Napoleon’s Downfall

• Britain, Prussia, Sweden, Russia, Austria join forces

• Napoleon surrenders , exiled to Elba

• Royalists take control, restore the monarchy (Louis XVIII)

• 9 months after arriving in Elba, Napoleon will escape

Napoleon’s Downfall

The Hundred Days• Louis XVIII is overthrown and

Napoleon returns• Waterloo—British, Prussian

forces defeat Napoleon’s army

• This ends Hundred Days

Napoleon on His Way

to HisFinal Exile on

St. Helena

Napoleon on His Way

to HisFinal Exile on

St. Helena

Napoleon’s Residence on St. Helena

Napoleon’s Residence on St. Helena

Napoleon’s TombNapoleon’s Tomb

What is Napoleon’s

Legacy?

Hitler Visits

Napoleon’s Tomb

Hitler Visits

Napoleon’s TombJune 28, 1940June 28, 1940