Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815)
- Napoleon fought a series of wars against shifting coalitions of European powers (Britain, Austria, Russia, Prussia).
- He had major victories such as Austerlitz (1805), often seen as his greatest triumph, and Jena-Auerstedt (1806) against Prussia.
- He created a French-dominated empire across much of continental Europe, placing family members on thrones (e.g., Joseph in Spain, Louis in Holland).
- His Continental System (1806) aimed to economically isolate Britain, but it backfired, hurting France’s allies and fueling smuggling.
- The wars spread revolutionary ideas like legal reforms and nationalism, but also triggered resistance movementsin Spain, Italy, and Germany.
Collapse of the Napoleonic Empire
- The empire became overstretched, with too many occupied territories to control effectively.
- The Peninsular War (1808–1814) drained resources as Spanish guerrillas, aided by the British (under Wellington), tied down large French forces.
- Growing nationalism in conquered countries undermined French control and increased opposition.
- The failed invasion of Russia (1812) was the decisive turning point — harsh winter, poor supply lines, and Russian scorched-earth tactics destroyed much of Napoleon’s Grand Army.
Military Defeat (1813–1814)
- After Russia, Napoleon’s weakened army faced a new coalition of Britain, Russia, Prussia, and Austria.
- He was defeated at the Battle of Leipzig (1813), also called the “Battle of Nations,” the largest battle in Europe before WWI.
- By 1814, coalition forces invaded France, Napoleon abdicated, and he was exiled to the island of Elba.
The Hundred Days (1815)
- Napoleon escaped Elba and regained power in March 1815, welcomed by his former soldiers.
- His return alarmed Europe, leading to the Seventh Coalition led by Britain and Prussia.
- Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo (June 1815) by Wellington and Blücher.
- He was exiled again, this time to Saint Helena, where he remained until his death in 1821.
Common Mistake
- Students often over-focus on Waterloo as the sole reason for Napoleon’s fall, forgetting that the collapse began with Russia and Leipzig.
- Some forget the importance of nationalism and resistance in Spain and Germany, which drained French resources and weakened control.
Exam technique
- When writing about Napoleon’s downfall, show stages (overextension → Russia → Leipzig → Waterloo) instead of jumping straight to his final defeat.
- Always link military events with political impact. For example, the Russian disaster destroyed Napoleon’s prestige and encouraged other nations to resist.
Self review
- To what extent was the invasion of Russia the key turning point in the collapse of Napoleon’s empire?
- Examine the reasons for Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815.
- How significant was nationalism in the downfall of Napoleon’s empire?
