WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Continental System, inaugurated by the Berlin decrees of 21 November 1806, was meant to prohibit all trade, even by neutral countries, with Britain, the nation that Napoleon derisively referred to as ‘an island of shopkeepers, ’ thereby sealing it off from continental Europe.

Detailed explanation-2: -On 21 November, 1806, Napoleon decreed, from his Palace in Berlin, a blockade of the British Isles and forbade all British goods and commerce entering the continent. This came to be known as the ‘continental’ blockade since de facto most of the European continent was under French influence.

Detailed explanation-3: -England responded to the Continental System with Orders in Council that subjected France and all countries in alliance with Napoleon to a counterblockade. These orders were one of the main causes of the Anglo-American War of 1812.

Detailed explanation-4: -Napoleon believed that if he could isolate Britain economically, he would be able to invade the nation after its economic collapse. Napoleon decreed that all commercial ships wishing to do business in Europe must first stop at a French port in order to ensure that there could be no trade with Britain.

Detailed explanation-5: -Battle of Trafalgar. In 1806, he ordered a blockade and stopped all trade between Britain and other European nations. Napoleon called this policy the Continental System.