Napoleon in 1812

Chapter 112

19. European Summit – 9

If one were to express the situation on the second day of the Strasbourg talks in one word, then ‘panic’ would be the best choice.

The small and medium-sized countries of the Confederation of the Rhine, which had been trying to create a place for themselves while being wary of the great powers, were unable to wake up to the radical changes in Austria’s attitude.

Austria was silent or tacitly sympathetic to all issues led by France after voting in favor of the permanent military right between member states.

The balance of the conference hall completely collapsed as the host country of the talks and the country with the second largest speaking power among the member states were grouped together.

“Didn’t I tell you? That things would go well.”

“…That’s right.”

Carnot still looked uneasy. He did not trust Talleyrand, and had strongly opposed his appointment. However, as it appeared, Talleyrand brought results.

“But that doesn’t change the fact that he is a dangerous person. Your Majesty must always remember that fact.”

A person who betrayed his country once could do it twice. Carnot knew that Talleyrand was a man who could change his face at any time if he got the opportunity. However, to put it the other way around, it also meant that Talleyrand could not betray Napoleon unless he was defeated.

“I will never collapse as long as I am sitting on the throne. So the Minister doesn’t have to worry at all.”

Carnot could not help but bow his head at Napoleon’s words, which seemed like an oath. Who could devalue this saying as the Emperor’s arrogance?

Even if one looked back on the path that Napoleon had taken so far, he had proved himself enough. Carnot thought that no words could be applied in front of this huge human being.

===

The purpose for creating the Union even when the French Empire gave up its conquest was not simply because it wanted to unite pro-French forces and attract public opinion before preparing for a great war.

A lot of small and medium-sized countries hostile to each other attended the Strasbourg talks because of the pressure from France. Even the middle-sized countries above them never got along well.

In this situation, any threatening action between them was prohibited if an alliance was formed and a permanent mutual defense network was established. ‘I’m annoyed, but I can’t fight for now’ could summarize well the mindset of those who had been conscious of each other, checking, and struggling so far. Relationships would be re-established.

‘Logistics between countries, which had been temporarily blocked by hostile relations, will flow again, promoting the revitalization of the city-oriented market economy. The circulation of capital and the exchange of goods and resources mean that new added value can be created. In the end, just stopping disputes can boost the countries’ productivity. And the Empire, the master of all this, must take full advantage of the fruits of stopping these disputes.’

Carnot succeeded in engraving the image of a just and tolerant bureaucrat in everyone’s mind throughout Europe thanks to his Declaration. But on the contrary, his true opinions were extremely pragmatic and nationalistic.

How unified trade laws and tariffs could play a big role in revitalizing the market economy had already been sufficiently proven through the ‘Region Revolution’ that took place across France.

Carnot made an ambitious plan to realize this within the international unit of the Union and to lead the Union’s wealth and economy, centered on France.

There was no doubt that this huge painting would benefit France, so Napoleon immediately agreed.

Of course, there was an order in narratives. The discussion on this was just a story in the distant future right now. Without certainty and trust in its existence, the newborn Union was still only a group of sand grains.

Although it was only for wartime, the current military right of passage alone made member states feel uncomfortable, so what would happen if they talked about unified tariffs? They would get angry and oppose it. However, it was necessary to prepare a bridgehead for the process now.

“The biggest reason for the Union’s creation was because, as you all know, we dreamed of a Europe that enjoyed peace without war. However, I’m ashamed but this was not the only thing I had announced at the French Imperial Council.”

Carnot once again preached that member states of the Union should jointly develop and pursue better future values. He added that close cooperation between member states was needed to achieve this process.

“We should be able to purchase products from member states first rather than products from countries that are not part of the Union. However, the law cannot force consumers to buy expensive items. Therefore, reasonable prices should be set for reasonable consumption, allowing citizens of member countries to voluntarily purchase products from the other countries belonging to the Union. To this end, I argue that tariffs between member states need to be lower and different for foreign countries.”

In other words, this was to sign a new tariff agreement between member countries and impose lower tariffs than foreign countries. Lower tariffs meant that products could be sold to consumers at relatively low prices.

As a result, Carnot’s proposal was to strengthen the domestic market within the Union and prevent wealth from leaking outside.

It was a very good and irresistible cause, but there was a trap here. The fact that Britain and France were the only two countries to have achieved the mechanical revolution.

‘The mechanical revolution makes it possible to mass-produce quality and cheaper products with less labor and the same raw materials. Originally, only Britain enjoyed the benefits of this innovation and dominated the European market, but now we are intervening and fighting for the pie. Therefore, measures to cut tariffs within member states are needed.’

Since the United Kingdom was an outside country, it would not benefit from this measure, while France was a member country, so its products would be sold at lower prices.

In other words, France would have an advantage in price competition with the United Kingdom. In fact, it was a proposal with Napoleon and Carnot’s willingness to use the entire Union and to make it into a French consumption warehouse.

“The Kingdom of Poland will obey the will of the Empire.”

“The Kingdom of Italy agrees as well.”

Countries faithful to France such as Poland, Westphalia and Italy expressed their approval as if they had been waiting to do it.

In addition, the pro-French small and medium-sized countries of the Confederation of the Rhine, Denmark, Naples, and Sicily joined quickly, creating public opinion. Prussia objected again this time, but it could not go against the trend.

The eyes of the rest of the countries were on Austria. Would it follow the will of France again this time? They looked at Franz I, whose eyes were closed, Metternich, who had an expressionless face, and Karl Ludwig, who was slightly biting his lips. It was Metternich who opened his mouth among them.

“Austria approves, too.”

A groan was heard from the Prussian side. Foreign Minister Hardenberg closed his eyes, and Marshal Blücher could be heard clenching his teeth. The second meeting was literally led by the French.

===

“Austria must definitely have an explanation for this.”

This was what Friedrich Wilhelm III, who left the palace with a stiff face after the meeting, told Austrian foreign staff. The King, who had been criticized for being moderate and passive throughout his reign, did not hide his anger at Austria’s actions today.

“This will be a humiliating day for you and your country, seriously! I hope you feel fortunate that I have patience and discernment.”

To Austria, who had decided to form a united front together with Prussia to contain France, but suddenly broke its promise and joined the enemy’s side, Blücher uttered these ferocious words.

Austrian foreign officials and escort officers warned him, but Blücher continued to threaten them, saying, ‘This is a sacred meeting place, and the talks are not over yet, so think carefully and stopped this while it’s still at this level!’ There was only a cool and sinister atmosphere remaining after the Prussian officials left.

“Foreign Minister, what the hell is going on?”

“If you were going to change your position, you should have at least discussed it with us!”

Small and medium-sized countries such as the Grand Duchy of Frankfurt and the County of Isenburg had been semi-forcedly cooperating with France as members of the Confederation of the Rhine but sought to benefit from Austria in this meeting. They asked Metternich as if they were arguing.

“…I’m sorry. It’s because of the internal situation of the Austrian Empire. Please understand that we cannot reveal the reason.”

Passing by them, who had a puzzled expression on their faces, the Austrian officials left the palace. What on earth was happening between France and Austria? The questions of these member states were solved at the very next meeting.

===

“As I’m telling you in advance, the rating set does not mean discriminating against any member state. All member states will be protected by the Union and will enjoy the same benefits, rights, and peace.”

On the third day of the Strasbourg talks, French Empire’s Foreign Minister Armand-Augustin-Louis de Caulaincourt[1] (promoted from Vice Minister to Minister of Foreign Affairs during the Russian expedition) announced the criteria for dividing the ratings of member states in the Union.

To quantify the ranks of all member states, the evaluation indicators were largely divided into three areas: population, economy, and military. Among the three, the one playing the greatest role in the calculation of grades was the population.

Citing the ‘Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen’ set by France’s National Constituent Assembly in 1789, Caulaincourt said that all citizens of member states deserved freedom and sovereignty as individuals, regardless of nationality and origin.

Caulaincourt’s logic was that the more citizens a country had, the more power it should have in the talks of the Union.

Next, the weight and role that the member states could occupy in the security and development of the Union were used as indicators.

If a member country was attacked by an external enemy, member states were obligated to launch a joint front against it.

Considering this, how much military contribution could be made had certainly to be an important factor in determining the rating of members. The economic indicator was similar.

With the birth of a group of countries called ‘Union’, economic blockages would inevitably proceed, and countries with specialties, products, and goods that could help the Union’s joint development deserved preferential treatment.

France, the host country and chair country, set the ratings of member states across these indicators as follows:

Chair Country – France.

Vice Chair Country – Austria.

Standing States – Prussia, Denmark, Naples, Poland, Bavaria.

Federal States – Saxony, Westphalia, Switzerland, Italy, Württemberg, Sicily, Baden, etc.

Small Federal States – Other small countries, city-states.

The first thing that caught the eyes of the foreign officials of the member states was… the presence of Austria’s name next to the awkward and subtle position of Vice Chair Country. In the midst of their colorful facial expressions, Metternich sighed lightly and recalled his reunion with Talleyrand.

===

Austria had been properly caught for hiding Fouché for years. Metternich, who predicted that he would be dragged by Talleyrand at this rate, made a counter-proposal to overcome the situation by demonstrating his natural talent for diplomacy.

“I admit all my faults. What your country wants in return is our cooperation in the talks. It sounds good. After today, Austria will actively support France’s side at the Strasbourg talks. We will provide you with Joseph Fouché’s whereabouts and clues to find him. We will also promise as much military support as possible for the future war that your country will participate in.”

“Hehe, this is a sign of sincerity that exceeds the expectations of me and the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It’s only natural for the French Empire to keep secret the fact that you have hidden Fouché… I’m sure you have additional suggestions here?”

Give what you can and receive what you need. There was no blockage in the negotiations because they were both experienced and similar diplomats.

“In calculating the rating of member states, the intention of your country is to have several mid-sized countries under the chair country. Thus, if there is competition between them, France can exercise strong decision-making power in the Union, as the only chair country.”

Talleyrand nodded without showing any expression, and Metternich continued.

“Please provide a place for us under the chair country and above the central states. We will not challenge France’s authority, but please allow us to exercise our rights as a second country, different from the other member countries.”

As if he had been waiting for these words, Talleyrand showed a deep smile.

===

“Hehehe! Austria… Austria! Did they betray us for this little title? This is the moment when the Habsburgs that dominated Europe completely degenerated into French dogs!”

Blücher’s insults did not reach the ears of the Austrian foreign officials who were far away. However, if they had heard him, it could have been a serious diplomatic issue, so Prussian officials should have stopped or warned him.

However, no one on the Prussian side stopped Blücher. No, they could not do it.

“Prussia got the same grade as Denmark and Bavaria?”

Denmark’s population was only over 2 million, and Bavaria’s one was a little more than that, but far less than 4 million. On the other hand, Prussia had a population of 6.6 million. In addition, its military power and economic power were also incomparable to these two countries.

Naples and Poland, even if they were grouped together, could not be compared to Prussia in any way in population, economy, or military. And they were not grouped together. In the end, this was a French trick to keep Prussia in check and pressure it.

Creak

Friedrich Wilhelm III gritted his teeth slowly. Austria’s unexpected betrayal, France’s dirty tricks, and other member states’ doubtful views. This was more than he had endured during the Treaties of Tilsit.

He had never been humiliated to this extend in his life. As everyone was looking at him, Friedrich Wilhelm III rose from his chair. Almost at the same time, Prussian foreign officials and escort officers stood as well.

“I don’t think Prussia deserves to be in this circus.”

With that one sentence left, Friedrich Wilhelm III and the Prussian officials immediately left the meeting. There was only cold silence remaining after they left.

“Let’s continue the talks. We will decide later which member state will become a standing state to fill Prussia’s vacancy.”

Napoleon expelled Prussia in a light tone as if this situation was really trivial.

Member states of the Union swallowed their saliva looking at Napoleon and France. Then they realized. Napoleon’s declaration on the first day of the talks that France would have a reasonable, fair, and democratic position was nothing but superficial.

In the end, the Strasbourg talks were just one well-organized puppet show controlled by the puppet master called France.

TL notes

[1] Armand-Augustin-Louis de Caulaincourt