Napoleon’s Downfall

Military defeats, exile, triumphant

return, more military defeats, and

another exile

The Continental SystemNapoleon strikes Britain

through blockade—forced closing of ports

Continental System—economic plan to strengthen Europe, weaken Britain

What two things cause France’s blockade to fail?

The Peninsular WarNapoleon sends troops

across Spain to attack Portugal, causing protests so:Napoleon removes the

Spanish king, replacing him with his brother

The Spanish are also concerned that Napoleon will weaken the Catholic Church in Spain like it was weakened in France

Guerilla WarfareSpanish peasants fight as guerrillas—small

groups that attack and then disappearBritish aid Spanish guerrillas

Results of the WarNapoleon loses 300,000 soldiers during this

Peninsular WarNationalist rebels fight the French in other

conquered territories Germany, Italy

The Invasion of RussiaRelations with Russia

break down, Napoleon decides to invade

In June 1812, Napoleon’s army marches into Russia with 420,000 men

Results of Napoleon’s Invasion of Russia

Russians use scorched-earth policy to aid in their fight against Napoleon

In September 1812, Russians retreat from Moscow after Battle of Borodino

Results of Napoleon’s Invasion of RussiaNapoleon finds Moscow abandoned and

burningNapoleon retreats, losing thousands of

soldiers to raids, exhaustion, hunger, and cold weather

Napoleon Suffers MORE DefeatBritain, Prussia, Sweden, Russia, Austria join

forces against NapoleonNapoleon raises another army, but meets

quick defeat by allied powersNapoleon finally surrenders and is exiled to

island of Elba

The Hundred DaysLouis XVIII takes over the throne in France,

but he becomes very unpopular very quicklyPeasants were suspicious that he wanted to

undo the revolution’s land reformsThis news encourages Napoleon to escape

from Elba and reclaim his crownWas he welcomed? Why?

Waterloo

Video!

Defeated again, exiled againWaterloo—British, Prussian forces defeat

Napoleon’s armyThis defeat ends Hundred Days—Napoleon’s

last attempt at power