The Republic reached its peak 15th and the 16th centuries and then followed its slow decline after the crisis of Mediterranean shipping caused by the discovery of America and new trade routs to Asia. In 1667 a catastrophic earthquake almost destroyed Dubrovnik and city lost more than 5000 of its citizens. All this has put Dubrovnik in a very difficult economic position, but the Republic continued to play an important commercial and political role. In fact, it was one of the first European countries in that time to recognize the United States officially, and by the end of 17th century, at the dawn of its demise, the Dubrovnik Republic had consulates in more than 80 cities around the world. It is interesting that the country that has never fought a war after early 15th century thanks to it’s subtle diplomacy, lost its highly valued liberty in a matter of weeks. After conquering Venetian territories, and the defeat of Austrian army, in 1806 Napoleon’s army was rapidly
			approaching Dubrovnik from the west. On the other side the Russians captured the former Venetian (then Austrian) territories in nearby Montenegro.Napoleon demanded a free passage for his troops through the area in order to drive away the Russian threat. In spite of his friendly promises French forces blockaded Dubrovnik's harbours and forced the government to give in and let French troops enter the city. In 1808 Marshal Marmont abolished the Dubrovnik Republic and integrated its territory to Illyrian provinces.