Continental System

Quick Facts: Who was Continental System?

Subject:

Continental System

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A massive European embargo (1806–1814) by Napoleon against Britain to cripple its trade.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Continental System or Continental Blockade (French: Blocus continental) was a large-scale embargo by French emperor Napoleon I against the British Empire from 21 November 1806 until 11 April 1814, during the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon issued the Berlin Decree on 21 November 1806 in response to the naval blockade of the French coasts enacted by the British government on 16 May 1806. The embargo was applied intermittently, ending on 11 April 1814 after Napoleon's first abdication. Aside from subduing Britain, the blockade was also intended to establish French industrial and commercial hegemony in Europe. Within the French Empire, the newly acquired territories and client states were subordinate to France itself, as there was a unified market within France (no internal barriers or tariffs) while economic distortions were maintained on the borders of the new territories.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Berlin Decree forbade the import of British goods into any European country allied with or dependent upon France, and it installed the Continental System in Europe. All connections with Britain were to be cut, even mail. However, there was extensive smuggling, which made the Continental System an ineffective weapon of economic war. There was some damage to British trade, especially in 1808 and 1812, but British control of the oceans led to replacement trade with North and South America, as well as large scale smuggling in Europe particularly from Malta, which was used by the British to sell their goods to southern Italy. The loss of Britain as a trading partner also hit the economies of France and its allies.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Angry governments gained an incentive to ignore the Continental System, which led to the weakening of Napoleon's coalition. As Napoleon realised that extensive trade was going through Spain and Russia, he invaded those two countries. One portion of his forces were tied down in Spain (in which the Spanish War of Independence occurred simultaneously), and the other portion suffered severely in, and ultimately retreated from, Russia in 1812. Britain declared war on France in May 1803, beginning the Napoleonic Wars, during which the British government repeatedly financed French enemies in Continental Europe. Napoleon, as with previous French rulers before him, were unable to defeat the British by means of invading Britain due to the Royal Navy's control of the sea.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1803: 1803 Milestone — Britain declared war on France in May 1803, beginning the Napoleonic Wars, during which the British government repeatedly financed French enemies in Continental Europe.
2. 1806: 1806 Milestone — The Continental System or Continental Blockade (French: Blocus continental) was a large-scale embargo by French emperor Napoleon I against the British Empire from 21 November 1806 until 11 April 1814, during the Napoleonic Wars.
3. 1808: 1808 Milestone — There was some damage to British trade, especially in 1808 and 1812, but British control of the oceans led to replacement trade with North and South America, as well as large scale smuggling in Europe particularly from Malta, which was used by the British to sell their goods to southern Italy.
4. 1812: 1812 Milestone — One portion of his forces were tied down in Spain (in which the Spanish War of Independence occurred simultaneously), and the other portion suffered severely in, and ultimately retreated from, Russia in 1812.
5. 1814: 1814 Milestone — The embargo was applied intermittently, ending on 11 April 1814 after Napoleon's first abdication.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Continental System

True or False: “The Continental System was entirely successful in crippling the British economy through trade restrictions alone.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The system was undermined by extensive smuggling operations and redirected British trade with North and South America.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Continental System