Continental blockade

Continental blockade is a measure to restrict or ban the importation of certain types of goods.

From the beginning of the 19th century, serious economic transformations began in many European countries. The international processes that began to develop from this moment, played an important role in the conflicts that eventually resulted in the First World War.

A special influence on the life of European states at that time was the intensive confrontation between France and England, both in the economic and military-political spheres.

The successes of the French army in 1805-06. (Under the Yen and in the Austerlitz battle) on the one hand, and the historic battle of Trafalgar in the autumn of 1805 with another formed a peculiar situation. Confirming the status of "Lady of the Seas", Britain became an obstacle to the French invasion of the British Isles. At the same time, the Napoleonic victories in the course of the battles deprived England of its main allies in Europe - Prussia, Austria and Russia - and, as a consequence, the possibility of further struggle.

By the second half of the 18th century, Russia was Russia's main external trading partner. During the confrontation of the revolutionary, and subsequently - Napoleonic France, these two powers (Russia and England) were in some ways "natural allies." The armed force of Russia was supported by the actions of the British fleet and subsidies. But in the course of military events, contradictions of both political and economic nature began to spring up between the allied countries.

France sought to dominate Europe. However, the methods by which this could be achieved had to be radically different from the measures previously applied to England.

The main task of Napoleonic politics at that time was to strive to hit the British economy. Thus, the continental blockade of England was undertaken. This measure prohibited the receipt of goods from the UK to other countries. However, the continental blockade could be effective only in the context of a concerted action by the major European powers.

It should be noted that the UK by the middle of the 19th century was several times better economically developed than most countries. However, its economic superiority did not contribute to the development of military and political domination in the world. Britain had only a powerful fleet, and the ground forces were not developed enough. In addition, according to historians, England did not aspire to domination at that time.

France, after having tried for almost ten years various ways to conquer Britain, is making an attempt to directly occupy the space of Europe.

The continental blockade reflected very clearly Napoleon's idea. The French ruler aspired to close Europe as soon as possible from the advanced industry of the British Isles, slowing down the development of the British economy.

In the 1810-12 gg. In England there was an acute economic crisis. Significantly decreased exports, the situation inside the country has become much aggravated. From 1811 to 1813, the Loudd movement acquired a large scale, the main purpose of which was the destruction of the basis of the might of England - the looms.

In 1812, America entered into an alliance with France against Britain.

However, until the final victory over England, Napoleon was to conquer the entire European continent. That is why the French army went on without stopping, conquering countries on its way.

It should be noted that the continental blockade destroyed not only the UK economy. All Europe suffered, including France. The customs tariffs set by Napoleon between the European countries caused discontent. Thus, France acquired new numerous enemies.

In this situation, the actions of the Russian government were of great importance. Alexander First broke all the conditions of the blockade first, then banned the import of luxury goods from France. Napoleon, meanwhile, is making a march to the East, suggesting that Russia be forced to take part in the continental blockade. However, this campaign ended with the complete collapse of the French Empire.