Napoleon’s Continental System

Definition

The Continental System was an economic policy implemented by Napoleon Bonaparte against Britain during the Napoleonic Wars. It aimed to destroy Britain's economy by closing European ports to British goods.

Analogy

Imagine if all your friends decided not to invite you to any parties because they were mad at you - that's what Napoleon tried doing with Britain. He wanted everyone else on his "guest list" (Europe) but not Britain!

Related terms

Blockade: A military tactic used to isolate an enemy by preventing goods or people from entering or leaving their territory.

Embargo Act of 1807: An American law that prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations. It was America's response to both British and French restrictions on neutral trade during the Napoleonic Wars.

Berlin Decree (1806): Issued by Napoleon stating that no European country was to trade with the United Kingdom.