After the battle of Navaro in 1849, the Austrians seemed poise to crush the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the French government came very close to intervening on behalf of Sardinia and the Italians. In OTL, of course, they hadn't, and in part to avoid foreign intervention the Austrians abstained from any annexations. But suppose Italy had intervened on Sardinia's (and Italy's?) behalf. The 2nd Republic had just been founded, after all, and while Cavaignac wasn't eager for war, others certainly were.
Hrmm. This may require offing Napoleon III before 1848, and will of course play merry hell with the Crimean War. Thoughts?
Hrmm. This may require offing Napoleon III before 1848, and will of course play merry hell with the Crimean War. Thoughts?