Continental System
Definition
The Continental System was an economic policy implemented by Napoleon Bonaparte against Britain during the Napoleonic Wars. It aimed at destroying Britain's economy by closing European ports to British goods.
Analogy
Imagine if all your friends decided not to invite you to any parties anymore because they were mad at you. That's kind of what Napoleon did with Britain - he tried to isolate them economically so they would be weakened.
Related terms
Blockade: An act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.
Embargo Act 1807: An American law that prohibited American ships from trading in all foreign ports as part of an attempt at peaceful coercion towards France and Britain during the Napoleonic wars.
Napoleonic Wars: A series of major conflicts pitting the French Empire led by Emperor Napoleon I against an array of European powers formed into various coalitions.
"Continental System" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (7)
- What was the primary purpose of the Continental System implemented by Napoleon?
- Why did the Continental System ultimately fail?
- How did the Continental System impact Britain's economy during Napoleon's reign?
- How did the Continental System differ from traditional warfare in its impact on Britain’s economy?
- What was a direct consequence of Napoleon implementing the Continental System in Europe?
- What was one long-term implication of the Continental System on European economic policies?
- What might have happened if the Continental System implemented by Napoleon had been successful?
Resources
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