peninsular war new Flashcards
(32 cards)
Overview
Deposed from power by the Treaty of Fontainebleau (11 April 1814). Stripped of his title as Emperor. Made ruler of the island of Elba. Stayed on Elba for 300 days before escaping back to France.
Napoleon invades the Papal States
- Imprisoned the Pope in an attempt to force them to follow the Continental Blockade.
Napoleon defeated by the Quadruple Alliance
- Britain, Prussia, Austria, and Russia. Lost the Battle of Nations October 1813.
Treaty of Fontainebleau
11 April 1814. Napoleon was made ruler of the island of Elba. Deposed from power. Stripped of his title as Emperor. Stayed on Elba for 300 days before escaping.
Louis XVIII restored to the throne
- 59 years old. Overweight, dull, uninspiring. Spent last 2 decades outside France waiting for the overthrow of the French Revolution.
Challenges faced by Napoleon (1808-1815)
Empire on the decline from 1808 onwards. Spanish and Russian campaigns. Enforcing the Continental Blockade.
Empire population
By 1811 the French Empire (France and annexed states) consisted of 130 departments, 44 million population, and 32 army divisions. The Grand Empire (France and satellite states) had a population of 80 million.
Continental Blockade - who
France, conquered Europe, and France’s allies (Russia, Treaty of Tilsit 1807) vs. Britain. Customs officials tripled between 1797 and 1801 to enforce the blockade. Gendarmerie and soldiers responsible for enforcing it.
Continental Blockade - what
Banned trade with Britain.
Continental Blockade - where
From the Mediterranean to the White Sea.
Continental Blockade - when
1793 - British goods prohibited from entering France’s territories. Extended in 1806 (Berlin Decree) and 1807 (Milan Decree).
Continental Blockade - why
To weaken Britain. Expand the European market for French goods. Increase the cohesion of the Napoleonic Empire.
Why was the Continental Blockade a liability?
Led directly to war. Difficult to impose. Encouraged disobedience (smuggling). Led to British retaliation. Had a more negative than positive impact on the French economy.
Battle of Nations
October 1813. Napoleon was defeated at Leipzig by the forces of the Quadruple Alliance.
Why did Napoleon imprison the Pope?
- To force the Pope to comply with the Continental Blockade and to weaken Papal resistance to French control.
Why was enforcing the Continental Blockade difficult?
Widespread smuggling. Reluctance of France’s allies. Britain’s naval supremacy made enforcement costly and unreliable.
Why did Louis XVIII face challenges on his return?
He was seen as out-of-touch. Spent 20 years in exile. Lacked charisma and popular support. Faced the legacy of the Revolution and Napoleon’s reforms.
What was the Battle of Leipzig?
October 1813. Also known as the Battle of Nations. Decisive defeat for Napoleon by Britain, Austria, Russia, and Prussia.
What did the Treaty of Fontainebleau do?
Ended Napoleon’s rule as Emperor. Made him ruler of Elba. Forced him into exile but allowed him to keep the title of Emperor of Elba.
Why did Napoleon want the Papal States?
To control Italy, weaken Papal influence, and force the Pope to enforce the Continental Blockade.
How long did Napoleon stay on Elba?
300 days before escaping in February 1815.
What was the Berlin Decree?
- Extended the Continental Blockade. Banned British goods from Europe.
What was the Milan Decree?
- Reinforced the Berlin Decree. Allowed French warships to seize ships trading with Britain.
Why was the Continental Blockade ultimately a failure?
It hurt the French economy. Led to resentment in occupied territories. Britain found new markets in Latin America and Asia. Smuggling was widespread.
