Napoleon Bonaparte was an outstanding commander and leader. However, the French Empire still fell, and in this video we will take a look at exactly how. Despite the Continental Blockade, which hindered French trade, Napoleon continued his campaign in conquering Europe. His goals were Spain, which for a while fell under the occupation power of Joseph Bonaparte, and Portugal, which was protected from the French only thanks to the forces of Britain. This period was remembered for the Battle of Aspern-Essling, Napoleon's first major defeat, and the fatal invasion of the Russian Empire with the famous Battle of Borodino.

The Battle of Leipzig, also known as the Battle of the Nations was crucial for Napoleon, for after the massive loss he was exiled to the island of Elba. During the famous "Hundred Days" period, Napoleon tried to regain power, but the crushing defeat at Waterloo finally put an end to the French emperor's efforts to conquer Europe. This is how the story of Napoleon Bonaparte ended, but not the ideas of the French Empire, which would live on for another half century until democracy was established in France forever.