ABSTRACT
In 1806 Napoleon instituted the Continental System, which established a boycott of British goods. To enforce the boycott Napoleon invaded first Portugal and Spain in 1808, and Russia in 1812; these proved to be his greatest military blunders. While the coalition of victorious powers were negotiating the peace, Napoleon escaped and returned to Paris. In what became known as the Hundred Days, Napoleon once again became ruler of France. Unlike many French army officers, Napoleon approved of the French Revolution; Napoleon supported the most radical faction of revolutionaries who had overthrown the monarchy, executed King Louis XVI, and proclaimed France a republic. In the European lands under his direct control, Napoleon introduced political, legal, and administrative reforms, including legal equality, religious toleration, economic freedom, property rights, and civil marriage and divorce. Although a product of the French Revolution, Napoleon also drew on royal traditions. Some historians argue that Napoleon was the last enlightened despot in European history.
