I am contemplating writing a Napoleonic TL that would at least allow for a stalemate in the 1814 France campaign. Trouble is, I'm finding it difficult deciding which is the most realistic in providing such a result:
Blucher is captured during the battle of Brienne - towards the end of the battle, 400 French infantry entered the Prussian headquarters unnoticed and nearly captured Blucher. This was early in the campaign and would've briefly paralyzed allied command and morale, therefore avoiding the crucial battle of La Rothiere which occured 2 days later.
Macdonald intercepts Yorck and Osten-Sacken after Chateau-Thierry - Macdonald was ordered to capture the bridge of Chateau-Thierry so as to prevent the escape of Yorck and Osten-Sacken so that Napoleon could completely crush their corps and then re-join Marmont as a collective force to finish the remaining army of Silesia. However, Macdonald failed to do so and Napoleon missed the opportunity to gain some significant military and diplomatic leverage, considering that until early March the coalition were still willing to negotiate.
Soissons doesn't fall and Blucher's army is defeated at the Aisne - the Soisson garrison surrendered on March 4th after a brief siege. This allowed Blucher to cross the Aisne river and collect his forces at Laon, where he was also reinforced. Had that not occurred, Blucher would've had his back to the river like Bennigsen at Friedland, and a decisive battle would've ensued.
Blucher is captured during the battle of Brienne - towards the end of the battle, 400 French infantry entered the Prussian headquarters unnoticed and nearly captured Blucher. This was early in the campaign and would've briefly paralyzed allied command and morale, therefore avoiding the crucial battle of La Rothiere which occured 2 days later.
Macdonald intercepts Yorck and Osten-Sacken after Chateau-Thierry - Macdonald was ordered to capture the bridge of Chateau-Thierry so as to prevent the escape of Yorck and Osten-Sacken so that Napoleon could completely crush their corps and then re-join Marmont as a collective force to finish the remaining army of Silesia. However, Macdonald failed to do so and Napoleon missed the opportunity to gain some significant military and diplomatic leverage, considering that until early March the coalition were still willing to negotiate.
Soissons doesn't fall and Blucher's army is defeated at the Aisne - the Soisson garrison surrendered on March 4th after a brief siege. This allowed Blucher to cross the Aisne river and collect his forces at Laon, where he was also reinforced. Had that not occurred, Blucher would've had his back to the river like Bennigsen at Friedland, and a decisive battle would've ensued.