Franco-Prussian War questions

MrHola

Banned
Is there any way we can make the Franco-Prussian War less humiliating for the French? Meaning that Napoleon III doesn't get caught, no Prussian victory parade through Paris, a more (for the French) beneficial Treaty of Frankfurt etc. etc.
 

67th Tigers

Banned
It's very possible to make it a French victory without too much stretching. The real drama was that Napoleon III changed the plan just as the war was kicking off. The original plan was for 3 French Armies to make an offensive into Germany by Battalion Carre, a very good plan which could smash the German armies as they were forming and place the Germans on the backfoot, and probably bringing Austria in on their side.

OTL, the Empress goaded Napoleon III into taking personal command of the armies, which ended up fighting a defensive battle, losing the initiative and becoming enveloped by greater German numbers, even if they man for man could outfight the Germans.
 

MrHola

Banned
I was aiming for more of a stalemate between France and Prussia, but your idea is good too.
 

67th Tigers

Banned
That might well stalemate. One of the problems was that the French reserves (National Guard) were not ready to go immediately. An early strike, followed by a repulse may give France the time needed to mobilise these reserves.
 

MrHola

Banned
So, the Franco-Prussian War end in a stalemate. Will there be any revanchism? What about the French monarchy?
 
Remember that Prussia made better use of their railroad transport system to move troops in mobilization and combat situations. To have a chance at halting or defeating the German armies, the French would have to retain logistical superiority by bringing their forces upon the invaders before they expect any attack.
 
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