Challenges to the Empire
- Created by: lou9119
- Created on: 24-04-18 11:23
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- Challenges to the Empire
- The Continental Blockade
- NB lack of sea power meant he could not defeat Britain. He needed to enforce the continental system to cripple British economy.
- Involved forcing his satellite states, neighbours and allies to do the same. In 1808 this le to him invading IT to make the Pope impose the blockade; successful invasion giving NB all of IT.
- Peninsular War (1808-14)
- May 08 NB attempted to enforce the blockade on Spain, he replaced the Spanish King with his bro Joseph. Not a success:
- Spanish did not welcome the French in Madrid; rose in revolt.
- Outbreak of guerilla warfare, a major factor in FR ultimate defeat.
- This tied down thousands of troops in garrisons and disrupted their lines of supply and communication.
- They also faced warfare from the British; Wellington sent aid to their Portuguese ally in 08 and efforts to drive them out failed by 11. After victories at Salamanca and Vittoria the French were driven back to the Prynees.
- This tied down thousands of troops in garrisons and disrupted their lines of supply and communication.
- NB uses his grandee Armee and before he had time to complete the war, his attention had to be drawn to the Austrians. NB would never return to Spain.
- It was a constant drain on French resources and were estimated loses of 250,000 men. Money, men and morale were low. Was come to be known as the 'Spanish Ulcer'
- May 08 NB attempted to enforce the blockade on Spain, he replaced the Spanish King with his bro Joseph. Not a success:
- Austrian Campaign (1809)
- NB marched to Danube to face Austrians. Austrians had learnt from their previous mistakes of 05 and reorganised their armies, improved artillery and appointed new generals.
- April=Aust defeat. May=FR defeat (Battle of Aspern)
- Campaign ended by N's last great victory at Wagram in July. Dictated terms of peace (indemnity of £4 million) Though his enemies had been encouraged by Aspern.
- Negotiation to marry Austrian princess after the divorce of Josephine. Marie-Louise was a niece of Marie-Antoinette. This marriage caused tension with Russia.
- The Continental Blockade
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