Napoleon felt that if he could economically isolate Britain, he would be able to attack the country when it had collapsed. To ensure that no commerce with Britain could take place, Napoleon declared that any commercial ships seeking to do business in Europe must first stop at a French port.
Two decrees, that of Berlin in November 1806 and Milan in December 1807 ordered all allies of France, as well as all countries who wanted to be considered neutral, to cease trade with the British. lanation:
