- Napoleon's Continental System was a series of economic measures aimed at weakening Great Britain, his primary opponent in Europe. The system imposed a trade embargo on British goods, forcing European countries to trade with France instead.
2. Strain on Resources:
- The Continental System disrupted trade and caused economic hardship across Europe. This led to widespread discontent and resentment among the European population, who blamed France for their economic woes.
3. Invasion of Russia:
- In 1812, Napoleon made the fateful decision to invade Russia, hoping to force Tsar Alexander I to abandon the Continental System. The invasion was a disaster for Napoleon's army, which suffered heavy losses due to the harsh Russian winter, fierce resistance from the Russian army, and a lack of supplies.
4. Formation of the Sixth Coalition:
- Napoleon's invasion of Russia triggered the formation of the Sixth Coalition, a military alliance of European powers, including Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Sweden, who were determined to defeat Napoleon and restore the balance of power in Europe.
5. Battle of Leipzig:
- In October 1813, Napoleon suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Leipzig (also known as the Battle of the Nations) in Germany. This battle was a turning point in the Napoleonic Wars, as it marked the end of Napoleon's dominance in Europe.
6. Abdication and Elba:
- Following his defeat at Leipzig, Napoleon was forced to abdicate and was exiled to the island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea. However, his exile was short-lived.
7. The Hundred Days:
- In March 1815, Napoleon escaped from Elba and returned to France. This period is known as the Hundred Days. He quickly regained control of France and raised a new army.
8. Waterloo:
- The European powers responded to Napoleon's return by forming a new coalition. In June 1815, the French army under Napoleon faced a combined British, Prussian, and Dutch army under the command of the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian field marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher at the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium.
- The Battle of Waterloo was a decisive victory for the coalition forces. Napoleon's army was defeated, and he was forced to abdicate once again. He was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, where he remained until his death in 1821.
In summary, Napoleon's efforts to expand his Empire through military conquests and economic policies eventually led to his downfall as European powers united against him. The disastrous invasion of Russia and the formation of the Sixth Coalition set the stage for his ultimate defeat at Waterloo and his subsequent exile.