Napoleon declares the Continental Blockade from Berlin

Background. Following the defeat of Franco-Spanish fleets at Trafalgar, Napoleon abandoned invasion plans for Britain. Instead, he turned to economic warfare. The British Order-in-Council of May 1806 blockaded French coasts, prompting Napoleon to implement a large-scale embargo against the British Empire, known as the Continental System.

Military Context. In October 1806, French forces occupied Berlin, bringing Prussia under Napoleon's control. This military success, specifically the Battle of Jena, facilitated the issuance of the decree. Napoleon had recently conquered or allied with major European powers, creating the conditions for enforcing a continental trade ban.

Economic Impact. The decree forbade allies and conquests from trading with Britain. While British exports to the continent fell significantly, British control of the oceans allowed for replacement trade with the Americas and smuggling. The blockade aimed to damage Britain's status as Europe's manufacturing center.