How did the continental system influence subsequent events in Europe and around the world?

Napoleon's
hope was that by halting British trade in Europe through the Continental System, he would be
able to cripple the British economy. While British commerce was hurt as a result of this
strategy, its overall results were not as Napoleon hoped or expected.

First
of all, the British had long been the superior sea power in Europe. Their well-equipped and
highly-capable merchant fleet and navy routinely ran the blockade. This forced Napoleon to
stretch his navy thin and overuse French naval resources. This served to weaken the French navy
overall and make it less competitive with the British.

The Continental System
also damaged the French economy. Sectors of the French economy that relied on overseas imports
suffered greatly. Many factories and workshops were mothballed until they could acquire the raw
materials that they needed to run. Furthermore, the price of many staple foods in France and
other parts of the continent skyrocketed due to short supply. This led to a number of French
allies, such as the Netherlands and Spain, to become dissatisfied with their current
alliances.

The Continental System even effected the United States. American
merchants had hoped to stay neutral and continue trading with both France and Great Britain.
However, events in Europe were forcing them to take sides. This led to the passage of the
Embargo Act of 1807 which instituted a general embargo with any foreign nation. Furthermore, the
British need for more sailors to combat the Continental System frequently resulted in the
impressment of American sailors. This, in turn, was one of the major grievances that led to the
War of 1812.

Perhaps one of the most significant results of the Continental
System was Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia. The Russians were not willing to comply
with the embargo against the British. Even though Napoleon had threatened them with invasion if
they ignored the policy, they renewed their commercial relationship with Great Britain in 1810.
Consequently, Napoleon followed through with his threat in 1812. This led to one of the most
disastrous military invasions in history, resulting in the near-total destruction of Napoleon's
army and putting the pieces in place for his ultimate downfall.

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