After a general introductory description of the origin, operating and objectives of the Continental System, its introduction, impact and results in the Napoleonic Netherlands will be discussed. The focus is on Rotterdam, the second city and port of the Netherlands. Unlike Amsterdam, which fell to ruins as a result of the Blockade, Rotterdam, managed to survive. This was due to several sources of local resilience, which will be studied and analyzed in more detail. The proximity of the Dutch North Sea fisheries was of crucial importance. As such, more light will be shed on the activities of the North Sea fishermen, an important group of actors in the Napoleonic constellation of the Blockade, who have not yet been much studied. In conclusion some general remarks are made on the long-term effects of the Continental System, particularly for the Netherlands, its potential as an instrument for Napoleon to ‘win the peace’ and as a force for ‘European integration’.