Evaluate the reasons for the collapse of the Napoleonic
Empire.
Paragraph 1: War-weariness in France
1814 – it was clear that the French people would not rally to defend
the ‘patrie’
Desire for peace and an end to huge losses, both financial and
human
Years of war had devastating effect on society
o Death of over 900,000 young men in armies had a wider
impact on society and future population growth
Maritime ports suffered from British blockade
20 years of conscription
Not the most important as: Napoleon still had troops from Empire to rely
on
Paragraph 2: Changes among enemies
1814 – enemies were more united and determined they had
reformed their tactics and organisation and increased the size of
their armies
Failure to defeat Britain or overcome their sea supremacy meant he
had an unconquerable enemy ready to finance coalitions against
him
Strong sense of patriotism meant British was prepared to support a
long war
Defeat in Russia led to eventual ruin of Napoleon Tsar refused to
sign a peace treaty or fight the formal battle Napoleon wanted
o Russians adopted a scorched earth strategy which prevented
French army from living off the land
Not the most important as: Even after defeat by Russia, Napoleon could
have still made peace
Paragraph 3: Personal failings – MOST IMPORTANT
Obstinacy and failure to accept reality
o Ignored warnings against invading Spain
o Did not consider problems of an invasion of Russia
o Did not accept peace terms in 1813
Increases lapses of judgement meant he lost confidence of most
able advisers eg. Fouché and Talleyrand
Devotion to his family led to weaknesses at the heart of his Empire,
as they were not always up to the huge responsibilities they faced
Bonds of affection with his armies had not been maintained and his
troops faced poor conditions and arrears of pay by final campaigns
Napoleon’s health and physical condition declined
Empire.
Paragraph 1: War-weariness in France
1814 – it was clear that the French people would not rally to defend
the ‘patrie’
Desire for peace and an end to huge losses, both financial and
human
Years of war had devastating effect on society
o Death of over 900,000 young men in armies had a wider
impact on society and future population growth
Maritime ports suffered from British blockade
20 years of conscription
Not the most important as: Napoleon still had troops from Empire to rely
on
Paragraph 2: Changes among enemies
1814 – enemies were more united and determined they had
reformed their tactics and organisation and increased the size of
their armies
Failure to defeat Britain or overcome their sea supremacy meant he
had an unconquerable enemy ready to finance coalitions against
him
Strong sense of patriotism meant British was prepared to support a
long war
Defeat in Russia led to eventual ruin of Napoleon Tsar refused to
sign a peace treaty or fight the formal battle Napoleon wanted
o Russians adopted a scorched earth strategy which prevented
French army from living off the land
Not the most important as: Even after defeat by Russia, Napoleon could
have still made peace
Paragraph 3: Personal failings – MOST IMPORTANT
Obstinacy and failure to accept reality
o Ignored warnings against invading Spain
o Did not consider problems of an invasion of Russia
o Did not accept peace terms in 1813
Increases lapses of judgement meant he lost confidence of most
able advisers eg. Fouché and Talleyrand
Devotion to his family led to weaknesses at the heart of his Empire,
as they were not always up to the huge responsibilities they faced
Bonds of affection with his armies had not been maintained and his
troops faced poor conditions and arrears of pay by final campaigns
Napoleon’s health and physical condition declined
