CONTINENTAL SYSTEM, the name given to Napoleon's design for paralysing Great Britain through the destruction of her commerce. By the Berlin Decree (Nov. 21, 1806) and the Milan Decree (Dec. 17, 1807) he declared Great Britain to be in a state of blockade, and forbade either neutrals or French allies to trade with her or her Colonies. To Napoleon's "continental system" England responded by Orders in Council which subjected all countries in alliance with Napoleon to a counter-blockade. The campaign of starvation brought great suffering to both countries, and vast annoyance to neutrals, causing in particular the Anglo American War of I8I2. But since England held the command of the sea with an overwhelming superiority never before witnessed, the contest proved disastrous to Napoleon—not only because of the resulting privations, but also because, in the effort to maintain his system, Napoleon was forced to undertake responsibilities too great for him to support. (See FRANCE : History; ENGLISH HIS TORY; NAPOLEON, etc.)