Peninsular War (1808)

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Peninsular War (1808) Napoleon’s Empire Collapses Napoleon Overreaches French Empire at its height THREE key strategic mistakes follow MISTAKE #1 - Blockades After loss at Trafalgar Napoleon is stuck: Cannot invade Britain. GB emerging as important center of Industry in Europe Napoleon uses economic warfare The Continental System Blockade of all continental European ports Forbade all nations from trade & communication with Britain Dual purpose: Make Europe more self-sufficient Destroy GB’s commercial & industrial economy Blockades Continental System “leaks” Smugglers (aided by GB) get through Other European nations disregard Orders in Council – British (with stronger navy) blockade French ports & forbade nations from trade with France Force ships bound for France to stop & be searched in GB first This included U.S. ships Blockades Impressment? England didn’t have conscription Impressment was upheld by British courts to ensure stability of British forces. The impressment of Americans caused tension between Britain and the US…leading to…? In 1814, Britain ended the practice, and never resumed it (after defeating Napoleon). MISTAKE #2 The Peninsular War (1808) Portugal refused to participate in Continental Blockade… Napoleon sends troops across Spain to attack Portugal, causing protest Napoleon removes king of Spain & installs his brother as king more anger Spanish also worried he would attack the Church & weaken it (as he had in France) The Peninsular War (1808 - 1814) Spanish fight as guerrillas—small groups that attacked and then disappear (guerrilla warfare) British aid Spanish guerrillas Napoleon loses 300,000 soldiers during this Peninsular War Nationalist rebels throughout Europe fight the French within France’s empire. “Third of May, 1808” by Goya (1810) The Peninsular War: repercussions Spain’s nationalism spreads Other’s in Europe (notably Germany & Italy), who had at first welcomed Napoleon, turn against the French MISTAKE #3 (the most costly) – The Invasion of Russia (1812) Why Invade? Tsar Alexander I – Leader of Russia & Napoleon’s ally Russia had lots of Raw Materials but few ways of manufacturing them. Continental System hurt Russia Denied trade that was essential for Russia’s economy Refused to stop selling grain to GB France & Russia both had designs on Poland Napoleon’s Greatest Blunder The Invasion of Russia (1812) Russia pulls out of Continental System - 1812: Napoleon decides to invade Russia massed his forces in Poland to intimidate Alexander. In late June Napoleon’s Grand Army—about 600,000 men, invaded Russia The Invasion of Russia Russia refuses to meet France’s larger army in an unequal battle They continually pull back into Russia Russians employ scorched-earth policy: destroying crops, livestock, everything! This leaves NOTHING for French troops Supply lines become GREATLY overextended Invasion of Russia Sept. 7 - the French catch up with the Russian army at Borodino The Battle of Borodino was the largest and bloodiest single-day action of the Napoleonic Wars, involving more than 250,000 soldiers and resulting in 30,000 FR casualties (& 40,000 RUS) The French are “victorious” At the cost of 49 general officers and thousands of men. The Russian army is able to disengage, leaving the French without the decisive victory Napoleon sought. Invasion of Russia Sept. 14 - Napoleon’s enters Moscow Problem Rather than surrendering “The Holy City” - Russians abandon Moscow & set it on fire Fire destroys the greater part of the town Tsar Alexander refused to meet or discuss peace with Napoleon Invasion of Russia: known in Russia as the Patriotic War of 1812 His troops exhausted, with few rations, no winter clothing, and his remaining horses in poor condition, Napoleon was forced to retreat Onset of winter made retreat disastrous Russian guerilla raiders mercilessly attack Only 27,000 fit soldiers remained to France The Grand Armée had lost approx. 380,000 men dead and 100,000 captured French National Anthem La Marseillaise Cue up at 5:20 & 13:55 Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture Invasion of Russia Napoleon’s Downfall Napoleon’s failure caused many European states to defy Napoleon. Britain, Russia, Sweden, Austria & Prussia join forces against France Battle of Leipzig: “Battle of the Nations” (October 1813), Napoleon’s (undertrained) Grand Armée was torn to shreds. Napoleon’s Downfall January 1814 France being attacked on all its frontiers. Paris was captured in March 1814 Napoleon wants to fight on -- his generals refuse Napoleon *abdicates* in April. Treaty of Fontainebleau exiles Napoleon to Elba He had sovereignty over the island and was allowed to retain his title of Emperor. What happened to France ? Louis XVIII: Brother of Louis XVI takes the throne Unpopular due to suspicion of wanting to undo the Revolution’s land reforms What were the Hundred Days ? Napoleon seizes on this news & escapes from Elba Joyously welcomed back on March 1, 1815 1,000s join army Again rules as Emperor Where was Napoleon finished off? June 1815 Battle of Waterloo in Belgium British (Duke of Wellington) & French fight to stalemate most of the day Prussian army arrives late afternoon Napoleon defeated Napoleon’s last battle. He is captured and imprisoned. The Hundred Days are over After Waterloo Napoleon exiled to the island of Saint Helena in the Atlantic Ocean 1,000 mi. from any major landmass. After 6 years, he died as a prisoner Alexis de Tocqueville (writer): “He was as great as a man can be without virtue” Europe looks for lasting peace Congress of Vienna A desire for security & stability for Europe Attended by the “great powers”: Great Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria & France Goals of the Congress of Vienna Host: Prince Klemens von Metternich of Austria Distrusted democratic ideals of French Rev. Three Goals Prevent future French aggression by surrounding it with strong countries Restore a Balance of Power – no country a threat to others Restore Europe's royal families to their thrones Steps taken to strength countries: Former Austrian Netherlands & Dutch Republic united to form the Kingdom of the Netherlands The 39 German states were joined to form the German Confederation (dominated by Austria) Switzerland recognized as an independent nation The Kingdom of Sardinia (Italy) was strengthened by addition of Genoa Europe – Before and After the Congress of Vienna Steps taken about France Wanted to weaken France / but not leave it powerless If France was severely punished, it might seek revenge If France broken up, a neighboring country might get too strong So: they did NOT exact a great price from France Steps taken about European monarchies Affirmed principle of legitimacy Restored ruling families of France, Spain, Italian kingdoms & central Europe A European First! First time that European countries had acted together to control political affairs Legacy Stability: No European war for 38 years (Crimean War – GB & France vs. Russia) No World Wars between 1815 - 1914. Absolute Monarchies – Eastern Europe Constitutional Monarchies – England & France Holy Alliance - Russia, Austria & Prussia pledge to treat other nations based on Christian principles to combat forces of revolution Metternich issued the Carlsbad Decrees (1819) - Stifled Enlightenment ideas & freedom in German States. Concert of Europe - Pledge that all European Nations would help if a revolution broke out Eglise du Dome (Church Dome) Napoleon's tomb ---- in 7 coffins - red porphyry, iron, mahogany, lead, ebony, oak, marble .
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