Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/541

 Europe and Xapoleon 503 empire. In uniting these, as emperor of Austria, with the whole body of the Austrian state we shall strive, with the restored and existing peaceful relations with all the powers and neighboring states, to raise them to the height of pros- perity and happiness which is our keenest desire and the aim of our constant and sincerest efforts. Done at our capital and royal residence, Vienna, Aug- ust 6, 1806, in the fifteenth year of our reign as emperor and hereditary ruler of the Austrian lands. Francis. IV. The Continental Blockade At least as early as 1796 the French government con- ceived the idea of forcing its English enemy to cry for peace by ruining her commen This became a cher- ished policy of Napoleon after he had given up the idea of invading England. After his victory at Jena he felt that the time had come to put into execution his project of excluding England from the continent. England had given him an excuse for the Berlin Decree given below by declaring the coast from the river Elbe to Brest in a state of blockade (May, 1806). From our Imperial Camp at Berlin, November 21, 1806. Napoleon, emperor of the French and king of Italy, in 436. The consideration of the fact Berlin Decree 1. That England does not recognize the system of inter- (November national law universally observed by all civilized nations. 2r, 1806). 2. That she regards as an enemy every individual belong- ing to the enemy's state, and consequently makes prisoners of war not only of the crews of armed ships of war but of the crews of ships of commerce and merchantmen, and even of commercial agents and of merchants traveling on business. (Extracts.)