Key Effects of the Continental System
- Created by: caitlyn.hole
- Created on: 27-09-17 11:24
View mindmap
- Key effects of the Continental System
- Russia
- By 1810 Russia were fed up of the system and reopened trade with Britain
- Main trade was timber, which allowed Britain to continue building ships to maintain its naval power
- Napoleon knew that if Russia left the system then the rest would follow suit and the system would collapse
- Invaded by France's biggest ever army - 600,000 - in 1812
- Fewer than 10% returned
- Expected to sue for peace, instead destroyed France, lost its territories, Napoleon eventually forced to abdicate
- By 1810 Russia were fed up of the system and reopened trade with Britain
- Effects on USA
- Embargo Act 1807 enforced to economically damaged Britain after Chesapeake incident
- Proved more damaging to American merchants
- Embargo Act 1807 enforced to economically damaged Britain after Chesapeake incident
- Spain and Portugal
- In 1808, Napoleon attempted to enforce the blockade in Spain and tried to replace the King with his brother Jospeh
- Spain was liberated in 1814, after draining France of men, money, morale, and prestige
- Napoleon invaded Portugal as they refused to join the system, a major cause of Peninsular War
- Led to Napoleon fighting on two fronts in 1812-14
- Signed a mutual assistance agreement with Britain in 1793
- In 1808, Napoleon attempted to enforce the blockade in Spain and tried to replace the King with his brother Jospeh
- Effects on Britain
- France's lack of sea power hampered effectiveness of the system - Britain had a much stronger navy
- Majority of Europe were happy to side with Napoleon because they were envious of Britain's economic power
- Britain retaliated, creating a blockade of European ships - severely damaged internal European trade
- Orders of Council 1807 banned their trade partners from trading with France
- This was a cause of the Anglo-American War 1812
- Britain traded with new markets in North and South America
- Bad harvests meant the price of corn rose, leading to starvation for many
- Didn't last long - Napoleon allowed European grain to be sold to Britain in return for gold as he needed it badly
- Effects on France
- Industries that relied on exports suffered
- Trade routes along the Rhine and Alps opened new markets for the Empire and surrounding territories
- Industries to seaport struggled, e.g. ship-building and rope-making
- Stimulated manufacturing
- Russia
Comments
No comments have yet been made