A French-led Concert of Europe

POD- The British fleet is unsuccessful at Aboukir Bay. Napoleon is able to spend time to secure a Francophile Egyptian government that can at least hold on to the core of Egypt around Alexandria and the Nile Delta, even if it is unlikely to hold recent Napoleon conquests in the Levant. Napoleon sees the benefit of good local governments controlled by natives and uses that to his advantage when invading Russia-

1812- Instead of heading directly for Moscow and hoping to knock out Russia’s government in one grand battle for the capital, Napoleon instead decides on taking a stab at nation-building during the campaign in hopes of redrawing Eastern Europe, using a divide and conquer strategy and inspiring nationalism among the minorities of the Russian Empire. He has seen what his redrawing of the borders of Central Europe has done to inspire nationalism there, especially in Poland, and the loyalty of those subjects to Napoleon of any place outside of France, and he hopes to recreate that success in Russia.

He brings liberalism, freedom of the press, legislatures, local militias, and an end to corruption everywhere he goes. White Russia centered on Minsk, Ruthenia based around L’vov and soon Kiev, Lithuania and Latvia are formed under a northern campaign along the Baltic. Russian forces wait for what they consider to be inevitable- an attack on Moscow or St Petersburg; but when winter comes Napoleon hunkers in the south of Ukraine, near Crimea, wary of any interference from the Ottomans taking advantage of the disorder that reconstruction of maps often entails. Food supplies are more plentiful in the south with warmer weather, Ruthenians take sides, with nationalists taking the name Ukrainians, and those fighting to stay with the Russian Empire as Little Russians.

1813- Russia cannot bear the loss of so much valuable land, cut off from the Crimea and Black Sea ports, and most of the Baltic ports. Afraid that Sweden may join Napoleon on an attack on Estonia, Karelia, and St Petersburg; the Czar sues for a general peace. The United Kingdom, seeing itself once again standing alone, and with the War of 1812 with the USA being stalemated, decides to come to the table when Emperor Napoleon asks for a general “Congress of Nations” to be held in Berlin. All the major European powers attend- UK, Portugal, Spain, France, Sweden, Denmark-Norway, Prussia, Austria, Russia, Sardinia, and even the Ottoman Empire. China, Japan, and the USA are all invited as a courtesy, only the USA participates, and simply for the reason of ending the War of 1812 before it drags on for another year with British forces fresh from Europe being freed up to join the American front.

The Congress becomes one giant celebration, even for the British, of a peaceful Europe, of a globe redrawn to forever create a balance of power. So that no major nation would have reason to be jealous of another a series of future congresses would address issues and resolve disputes. Europe is of course redrawn specifically, with other areas of the world given broad “spheres of influence” to various nations, with specifics decided upon by the active planting of colonies, and not just of exploring first and flying a flag.

France gives up a lot of its late annexations in return for huge economic and diplomatic control of nominally independent nations throughout Europe. Big differences in the map are- Denmark-Norway and Sweden are united, Finland is given to Russia as compensation for the loss of Eastern Europe and to keep “Scandinavia” as it is called, from becoming all too powerful in the Baltic Sea. Portugal remains, but with Brazil in South America a “Co-sovereign nation” in perpetual union with Portugal under the Portuguese crown; Portugal is assigned as a British protectorate and Britain receives economic benefits such as open borders and veto over Portugal’s foreign affairs policy.
Spain receives Catalonia back from France but becomes a limited monarchy and a federation, legislative power is devolved into Castile, Galicia, the Basque Country, and Catalonia. France receives protector status over Spain, the Spanish navy becomes an arm of the French navy, French troops are stationed in Spain (except by treaty they cannot enter Galicia to avoid surrounding Portugal), the Portuguese receive economic free trade in Galicia, and France controls Spain’s foreign policy. Spain’s monarchy is headed by the Bourbon dynasty, but is a figurehead only.

France receives the southern Flemish/French portion of the Austrian Netherlands, with the Walloon northern portion going to the Netherlands. Brussels is in the Dutch section. The Netherlands, like Spain, is under French economic and diplomatic control. France also receives Geneva and the French speaking portions of Switzerland.
Central Europe became the biggest controversy, as Prussia sees itself betrayed at the Congress by both the French and British. The Habsburg Dynasty sees itself move from being Austrian, to being rewarded with all of Germany, with Prussia becoming just one of many constituent kingdoms. Despite wanting to retain the title of Emperor, this is one concession Napoleon cannot allow, and with the only exception being the Czar of Russia he will not allow another Emperor to sit on a thrown in Europe. “King of the Germans” is to be the new title. All German speaking lands are finally united as one nation-state, no more loose confederations or ineffective empires. Non-German speaking Bohemia and Moravia are united in personal union with Germany, but have their own administration. German economic and foreign affairs are directed by treaty through France much as with the Netherlands. German speaking portions of Switzerland, along with Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and Austria become part of Germany. The legislative and bureaucratic capital is placed in Frankfurt, Napoleon wants the administrative aspects of a united Germany close France; the executive branch is in Vienna where the Habsburgs reside while the highest court of the judicial branch, based on the USA model, is placed in Berlin as a consolation to the ruling caste in Prussia. The entire federal structure is more centrally dominated than Spain, and moves almost immediately to copying the American style with former kingdoms taking on the role of states in a federal system.

Italy is similarly united, under King Ferdinand of the Two Sicilies who was in opposition to Napoleon. The new Kingdom of Italy, however is to be like Germany, under French influence. The Catholic Church, though made the official religion of the new nation, is removed from having any secular control of any territory. Italian and Romansch speaking portions of Switzerland are given to Italy, as are Fiume and Trieste, and Trentino. Italy adopts the Napoleonic Code but keeps a very strict monarchy with little legislative input from the citizenry. The capital is at Florence, which is seen as more intellectual and modern than Rome and insulated from the Catholic Church.
Slavonia and Dalmatia are united, the Kingdom of Croatia and Slovenia is declared with Napoleon as king. Along with this personal union with France the new kingdom enters into an economic union with France, the Franc becomes the national currency, open borders and free trade with France, and foreign affairs must align with France. Stipulation is that the Russian Empire would receive the protectorate status in 100 years should the Ottoman Empire ever “cease to contain sizeable Slavic populations” before then. The royal line of king will go to Napoleon’s second born child.

With the Habsburg dynasty becoming dominant in Germany with greater power than ever dreamed of by their Holy Roman Emperor predecessors, France and Britain agreed that Hungary could not be a part of such a vast realm. Hungary, already stripped of its Slavic lands to the south, has its eastern Slavic lands taken as well. Galicia goes to an independent Poland, Ruthenia to Ukraine. Only the Slovaks remain along with regions of Serbs in Voljvodina, and Romanians and Germans in Transylvania. Hungary is ruled by the House of Savoy, previously in charge of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Having been a British ally and as consolation for the loss of its Italian holdings, this is seen as keeping Napoleon in check on the east, though Hungary is put as a protectorate of Germany, with Germany having free trade, open borders, and veto over foreign affairs, much as France has with Germany.

Poland becomes a kingdom under the former King of Prussia, as compensation for the loss of dominance in northern Germany. Poland becomes a protectorate of France, with the stipulation that in 100 years the protectorate switches to the Russian Empire. Between the Russian clause and the kingship being invested in the House of Hollerzollern, a “canary against German aggression” exists to buffer Russia from a unified Habsburg nation from the Czar’s perspective. Germany comes to see Poland as a good place to export German culture.

Lithuania and Latvia exist, under French protection for 5 years. After this, it is unknown if they could stand up to Russian imperialism. White Russia (Belarus) and Ukraine are formed. Both are given Russian protectorate status, much to their dismay.

Malta is given to France, but Minorca and the Ionian Islands are British, which along with Gibraltar keep the Mediterranean from being a French lake.
Heligoland is the one part of Germany that is separated, the British keeping it as a naval base, leading to the nickname of the “Gibraltar of Germany”. Italy soon sees the Ionian Islands and Malta in much the same light though few other countries see the similarity in situation. Even France begins to look upon the Channel Islands as British imperialism to keep a piece of the nation as a historical hostage. The British see these concessions as their only leverage to keep the Continent (which is under French domination) from being able to muster their combined forces and lay siege to the British Isles.

The USA and Britain agree to a status quo ante-bellum. Napoleon speaks eloquently about being a neutral party to this “separate but concurrent belligerency to the recent World War which determined the fate of Europe”. Neither side fully trusts him, the British see his selling of Louisiana in 1803 as being a down-payment for America’s later declaration of war on Britain in 1812 which conveniently opened a new front on Britain just at the moment Napoleon was knocking Russia out of the war on France’s eastern front. America sees Napoleon as potentially using mediation as a way to weasel back into North American politics, either through taking Louisiana, Haiti, or some former or current Spanish colony, all in the name of extending the Concert of Europe’s policy of a balance of power.

The rest of the world is given rules of colonization- to claim a land as a nation’s colony it is no longer sufficient to claim the right of first exploration or flying a flag. Actual permanent settlement must be first, or concrete treaties with the actual party in possession of the land and not just those with vague sovereignty. Spheres of influence will be drawn based on these during regularly called congresses in the future. Dutch colonies of Cape Town and the western settlements of Guiana in South America are kept by the British in return for acknowledgement of French preeminence in Egypt and over Ottoman affairs and for the recognition of Dutch control over the East Indies archipelago. The British believe the measurements taken by the French when in Egypt which show that a Suez Canal would be difficult or impossible because of extreme height difference between the Mediterranean and Red seas. French are acknowledged as having preeminence in western and northern Africa, and Italy over Tripoli and Cyrenaica. French agree not to interfere in India, British agree that they will not threaten or militarize around French enclaves in the sub-continent.
 
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This text was very hard to read. Some more formatting magic would have done well.

All other issues aside, the idea of giving the Habsburgs (the reactionary arch-enemy!) a massive realm that will eclipse France in economic and military power as soon as they rebuild from the Napoleonic Wars is both a hilariously stupid idea of suicide from Napoleon and the exact opposite of what he was trying to do IRL in every way possible (expand into the Rhineland, keep Germany divided, establish puppet republics and client monarchies under other Bonapartes, destroy the old order and its representatives once and for all). Also, Napoleon is giving way too many concessions to the monarchs of the old order, who would try again and again to topple Napoleon - they didn't care much for his "generosity" when he spared them in the wars of the 1800s.
 
This was my first time writing on this board, sorry, I hope I fixed the formatting issues. I agree the Germany issue and concessions at first glance can look silly, but consider it from Napoleon's point of view- this is his only chance at a lasting peace to stay in power PEACEFULLY. Research how many times there were "peace treaties" between France and Britain during the Revolution and Napoleonic era wars and each time Britain brought together a new coalition. Things aren't going great with guerrilla wars in Spain either remember.

An economically dominated Continent with co-opted native governments in place would be Napoleon's only chance to "Empire" and live out peacefully to see things play out with Napoleonic Code, metric system, and he may even bring back another try at a "secular calendar" and who knows, maybe France industrializes and builds massive railroads and canals in the 1810s and 1820s. Remember also that yes, while it is obvious that a united Germany will be stronger, that in in the early 1810s there is no idea of "industrialization" and so you can't put hindsight on to ATL Napoleon, though of course the British do have the benefit of knowing a united and geographically large and populous Germany will eventually keep France in check on the Continent. The British aren't fools, and they know this treaty is their best way of keeping Napoleon under wraps and end this war on their terms with less fighting.

Germany is also kept in check by having French forces and client states to the east, such as Poland. Germany can't win a two-front war, OTL proved that twice.

I just hate the idea that floats constantly about a Napoleonic win then makes everything in history a Francophile take over the world utopia. Too many alt history threads on this topic end up reading more like the God is a Frenchman thread (which was awesome btw and wish it was still being updated).
 
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A Greater Germany supported by Britain could win this war. Depending on when it happens their victory will sit somewhere between major and laughably one-sided, with it getting closer to the latter the later the date sits.

Not to mention it wouldn't be a 2-front war, because if Germany and France square off, which they will unless Napoleon consents to Germany immediately having full independence and removing all French Influence, it will almost assuredly draw in Russia on Germany's Side. I mean why wait 100 years to be given Poland and their other territories when they can just take it now? They will almost assuredly also have the support of Hungary, to get Croatia and their lost Romanian Territories, and also possibly Italy, or at least their neutrality.

Even if it doesn't just having British Economic Support would probably be enough to beat France.

This current balance is political suicide for Napoleon. I agree that the Napoleonic Utopias are generally boring, but this just trades a Napoleonic Utopia for a Habsburg-Wank.

I would say the best way to get a Napoleonic France that doesn't end up in a wank is for Austria to beat France earlier, Aspern-Essling being the latest point. France is still tough enough to fight, but Austria is also tough enough to establish their own victory. They have the Western Rhine turned over to them and their control over Germany is solidified. Without the massive disaster that was the Russian Campaign or all of the trauma Austria went through after Wagram there probably won't be as much of an impetus to roll back the Revolution completely, it will be a more balanced peace, leaving both powerful. Napoleon will still be forced to abdicate, but can pull a 100-days style return. With France being stronger, he can then win some victories and suffer some losses, with Neither Austria nor France able to decisively beat the other. The previous treaty is confirmed, and a stronger Austria makes peace with a humbled Napoleon.

At which point you can basically go nuts on the butterflies. Perhaps Russia gets Poland back after the Austrian Victory to bring them together and perhaps you wind up with an alternate Three Emperor's League. Franz Joseph hasn't been conceived yet, so you can have whatever Austrian Emperor you want take the throne. Russia and Austria might not be as antagonistic since Austria is far more Western Focused. Maybe France can keep Belgium to give them a nautical edge against Britain. Prussia? Who gives a damn they're tiny and worthless now, if Austria has the Rhineland their control of Germany is guaranteed.

Oh also; Welcome! Don't worry about the formatting, everyone makes mistakes. You fixed it, so no problem.
 
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A lot for me to think about! Let me tweak the timeline and incorporate your suggestions and I'll repost. I think board is great and hope I can come up with something original and interesting. Thank you again for helping!
 
There's no way Nappy would give up on Italy(especially to a Bourbon,Nappy is the King of Italy afterall) and anything left of the Rhine(this includes the entirety of Belgium).In case you haven't realized,he won the war in this timeline.

The guy will also try to keep Germany more fragmented.Maybe a federation to the north under the King of Westphalia(his brother) and a federation to the south under the Wittelsbachs.Naples will also remain in the hands of Murat or one of his brothers.
 
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Darthfanta you're assuming a "win", this is a negotiated peace where he's really negotiating from a place of weakness to the British. He may have bested Russia, but in the end he knows British economic strength and naval superiority will continue to support the Spanish guerrilla war and encourage Prussia and Austria (French allies in 1812) to switch to the British side.

My intent in this ATL is not to make Napoleon all powerful conqueror of Europe who gets what he wanted, but instead to make it a realistic compromise that sets up a hope for a Concert of Europe and a balance of power, an earlier Scramble for Africa, and a stronger Germany with more overseas colonies and which sets up for a bigger fight over Europe similar to WWI but occurring in the 1860s when the USA is busy with their Civil War. With possibly a German overture to Mexico along the lines of a Zimmerman Telegraph promising the US Southwest in return for declaring war on the USA and taking advantage of the Civil War; causing perhaps even a three-way war of Mexico-USA-CSA all against each other. Just a few thoughts.

But I'm back at the drawing board and suggestions are always welcomed, I just wanted to lay out why Napoleon isn't going for things people are pointing out, like the Rhine for a border; in a situation of a balance of power and lasting peace Napoleon will NEVER get a Rhine border or his family on other thrones. In the end, Napoleon is going to want his throne secured for a peaceful France and care less about his family, to this end he makes compromises, now he can force an earlier Scramble for Africa (and Oceania... influence over Latin American countries as economic export markets, etc)

And for Habsburg haters don't forget in 1812 they were Napoleon's allies, unwilling though they may have been; and Napoleon III put a Habsburg on the throne of Mexico in the 1860s; something that Nappy I or his successor might do earlier in this timeline.
 
Darthfanta you're assuming a "win", this is a negotiated peace where he's really negotiating from a place of weakness to the British. He may have bested Russia, but in the end he knows British economic strength and naval superiority will continue to support the Spanish guerrilla war and encourage Prussia and Austria (French allies in 1812) to switch to the British side.
The British wouldn't be negotiating from a position of strength.Austria and Prussia would have been too afraid to stir any further trouble.With Russia out,the British would have lost Russia as a trade partner.Combined with the fact that they lost America as a trade partner as well,this has major effects upon the British economy.With everything done,Nappy's just going to wipe out all the British armies in the Iberian peninsula personally.As for British naval superiority?He's been dealing with that for more than ten years,why would he suddenly agree to such harsh terms?

You do realize that even the Frankfurt proposals , which sprang up in the aftermath of Nappy's defeat in Russia and the Battle of Leipzig,agreed that he can have Belgium and the Rhineland?Why in the hell would he have to give up all that simply because Britain's still in the war with Spain and Portugal?
 
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The Frankfort Proposals were only accepted by the British envoy due to lack of communication with London I believe... the British gov't itself may not have actually backed a France in control of Belguim and the Rhineland. Another big difference is the the Frankfort Proposals had Napoleon losing any influence in other nations... this ATL's Concert of Europe allows France great influence, at least during his lifetime; his son and heir is a Habsburg and would be nephew to the next OTL Austrian Emperor which ITTL would be King of a huge Germany, which possibly would restrain any anti-French/anti-German feelings on either side. A Rhine border, unless Napoleon really wanted to do some sort of ethnic cleansing would be untenable and be a constant source of conflict, why would Napoleon possibly think that this would be A) defensible given the modern state of war as he knew it was evolving in this period and B) a huge population of malcontents who would be uprising, especially when a foreign army comes knocking at the Rhine. The Rhine as a border only makes sense if Napoleon really feels that Europe is HIS, and a negotiated peace will not make Europe reliably Napoleon's.
 
The Frankfort Proposals were only accepted by the British envoy due to lack of communication with London I believe... the British gov't itself may not have actually backed a France in control of Belguim and the Rhineland. Another big difference is the the Frankfort Proposals had Napoleon losing any influence in other nations... this ATL's Concert of Europe allows France great influence, at least during his lifetime; his son and heir is a Habsburg and would be nephew to the next OTL Austrian Emperor which ITTL would be King of a huge Germany, which possibly would restrain any anti-French/anti-German feelings on either side. A Rhine border, unless Napoleon really wanted to do some sort of ethnic cleansing would be untenable and be a constant source of conflict, why would Napoleon possibly think that this would be A) defensible given the modern state of war as he knew it was evolving in this period and B) a huge population of malcontents who would be uprising, especially when a foreign army comes knocking at the Rhine. The Rhine as a border only makes sense if Napoleon really feels that Europe is HIS, and a negotiated peace will not make Europe reliably Napoleon's.
Unless Napoleon wished to have his popularity in France plummet like Louis XV,he would not let Belgium and the Rhine go.


It would not be in France's interests to have a big Germany next door,especially if led by a Habsburg.Nappy has very little love for the Habsburgs.He married one only to give his heirs some royal blood.What's happening here hardly gives France any influence,it gives the Austrians influence instead.
Why the heck would annexing the Rhineland be indefensible and a constant source of conflict?This gives very little sense if there's no big Germany next door.

If Nappy really wanted a unified Germany with French influence,he would have made one of his brothers,probably the King of Westphlia,the King of a unified Germany long ago.

Once again,Nappy's winning,there's simply no need to give so much concessions as if he's losing.Even if the British disagreed with the Frankfurt proposals,there's nothing they can do about it,they form only a part of the coalition.You overestimate British influence in that alliance.
 
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