History of Warfare Summary 4 - Napoleonic Wars 2: Napoleon Dominates the European Continent

Following his victory at Austerlitz, Napoleon rapidly expanded French influence across Europe. In 1806, he waged war against Prussia, securing victories at the Battles of Jena and Auerstedt, after which French troops entered Berlin. Unable to directly invade Britain, Napoleon sought to block European nations from trading with the British. A prime example is the Continental System, enacted through the Berlin Decree in 1806, aimed at pressuring the British economy. However, European countries reliant on trade with Britain found it difficult to fully comply with the blockade. Russia, too, gradually grew dissatisfied with its cooperation with France. Meanwhile, Napoleon extended French influence into various regions, including Germany and Italy, and placed his family members and close associates on the thrones of different nations. These policies sparked resistance against France throughout Europe. In Spain, in particular, a large-scale rebellion erupted against the intervention of French troops. In 1808, Napoleon transferred the Spanish throne to his brother Joseph, but the French army became bogged down in a prolonged conflict due to the resistance from the Spanish populace and British forces.