When did Napoleon issue the Berlin Decree?
Napoleon issued the Berlin Decree on the 21st of November 1806. This action followed his victory over Prussia at the Battle of Jena and occurred in the city of Berlin.
Questions about Berlin Decree
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What was the purpose of the Berlin Decree?
The Berlin Decree aimed to force Britain's government to the peace table by starving the people of trade with Europe. The goal was to wreck her economy through total commercial isolation within what historians call the Continental System.
How did the Berlin Decree affect British goods and ships?
Any vessel contravening the decree was treated as enemy property liable to confiscation if it landed in a continental port after leaving Britain. Authorities seized all British goods or merchandise without exception, and any British subject found within French territory faced arrest as a prisoner of war.
Why did the Berlin Decree fail to cripple Britain?
Smuggling routes expanded as merchants sought ways around the restrictions, making the blockade difficult to enforce over such a vast area. Less damage was done to the economy of Britain, which held control of Atlantic Ocean trade while other European nations removed themselves from the system entirely.
Who is Paul Schroeder and what does he say about the Berlin Decree?
Historian Paul Schroeder considers this method of economic warfare ineffective because the blockade proved difficult to enforce over so vast an area. He notes that smuggling routes expanded as merchants sought ways around the restrictions.