The Napoleonic Era (Pgs. 712-718)

The age now known as the Napoleonic Era, a time when Napoleon Bonaparte, originally of Corsica, reigned supreme over France and much of Europe, had a great affect on England and the UK. Napoleon took advantage of France's vulnerability during a Revolution, and became the hero that they needed so dearly. When Napoleon became ruler, his military genius became evident as he began his conquest of Europe. One of his greatest opponents was England and their highly superior Navy, which he unsuccessfully attempted to conquer usuing his plan know as the Continental System. Napoleon tried to blockade the British and destroy them economically in order to weaken the country overall and allow Napoleon and his army to take over England. Instead, his plan backfired, and his own country deteriorated because of their strong economic ties with England. Thus, England's superiority on the high seas allowed them to virtually steer clear of Napoleon's terror.