WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Continental System, in the Napoleonic wars, the blockade designed by Napoleon to paralyze Great Britain through the destruction of British commerce. The decrees of Berlin (November 21, 1806) and Milan (December 17, 1807) proclaimed a blockade: neutrals and French allies were not to trade with the British.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Continental System was Napoleon’s strategy to weaken Britain’s economy by banning trade between Britain and states occupied by or allied with France, which proved largely ineffective and eventually led to Napoleon’s fall.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -Napoleon’s plan to defeat Britain was to destroy its ability to trade. As an island nation, trade was its most vital lifeline. Napoleon believed that if he could isolate Britain economically, he would be able to invade the nation after its economic collapse.

Detailed explanation-5: -Its aim was to impose an economic blockade against Britain and to prevent import of British goods by other countries of Europe. It was introduced as Napoleon found it difficult to defeat Britain in a straight military fight due to the supremacy of Britain’s Navy.