Napoleon defeats Russia (1812)

[alexmilman]

The King of Saxony was Duke of Warsaw in this TLL just like OTL, but Napoleon did not allow him to be King of Poland because it would hinder his plans to create a guard dog in central Eastern Europe.

Napoleon chose Davout because he has the ability to follow his orders to the letter while maintaining his individual initiative and his iron discipline is extremely necessary in this case. Davout is the type of person who, despite being King, would continue to serve Napoleon without questioning. Bernadotte rejected the same year an indirect proposal to be King of Spain so Napoleon cannot be very sure about whether he would comply with his orders diligently. Although it is an interesting scenario anyway and I am forced to think about it.

Having the Duke of Warsaw AND the King of Poland seems to be excessive and situation when the Duke of Warsaw is also a King of Saxony (and in his Ducal capacity is subordinated to the King of Poland) does not make sense. The issue of “a guard dog” is irrelevant because neither OTL Duchy nor your Kingdom would be allowed any true independence. What would be needed is a reasonably prosperous and loyal state capable of raising big number of troops and supplies.

Now, as far as your argument regarding Davout is involved, it is not very convincing. Being loyal and maintaining discipline within an army corps is not the same as being a capable administrator on state level and while it can be argued that Poland needed “discipline” a person who would try to enforce it was not going to be popular. And if Nappy wanted to maintain Poland loyal to him candidate with a proven tendency to alienate people is not a very good one especially if you add a complete absence of any experience in the civic administration, diplomacy and any other relevant area including raising and supplying an army. The Poles needed someone capable of charming people into doing what is needed rather than a severe martinet issuing the orders.

As far as Bernadotte was involved, his loyalty had to be bought but he already proved that he can manage a big foreign territory without generating any unhappiness among the locals which was rather rare (city council of Lubeck presented him with 6 horses as a token of appreciation of him stopping the looting after city was stormed; in Hanseatic towns he became quite popular as a governor, when he was in charge of the French troops in Denmark he, again, became quite popular and even was awarded Order of the Elephant, after Walchern he accepted the general government of the Roman states). His acceptance of a specific position could not be taken for granted because he tended to use his brains (as was the case with Spain) but in your TL Poland Nappy would need somebody capable of acting with a great degree of independence (unlike OTL Duchy of Warsaw, this would be a big state with a complicated internal and international situation). Prior to the acceptance of the Swedish offer there is no reason to suspect any disloyalty and even as a heir to the Swedish throne he went on the other side only after Napoleon’s openly hostile actions.

 

[alexmilman]

Bernadotte or Murat would be better choices for Warsaw (or maybe Napoleon can have a change of mind and decide to resign himself to accept Alexandrine and get back Lucien).

Yes, both seemingly had flamboyant enough personalities and Murat would look dashing in his version of the Polish uniform (no doubt, it would involve a lot of gold, feathers, furs and wild color combinations) and the Poles could appreciate his horsemanship. Of course, this specific crown would be much more demanding than one of the Naples so, while losing on the appearances (but not bragging) side, Bernadotte could win some points on administration.

Lucien? Did he have a suitable personality? Even if dressed properly, can you imagine him on a horseback inspecting the troops side by side with Poniatovski? He would look as a shmuck.

 

[Analytical Engine]

I could see the Duchy of Warsaw getting East and West Prussia. Maybe even the Neumark.

Pomerania could be split between Sweden and the Duchy of Warsaw.

Silesia could be split between Saxony, Bohemia and the Duchy of Warsaw.

Hanover goes to Westphalia. Possibly so does Altmark, Magdeburg and Prignitz.

 

[isabella]

Yes, both seemingly had flamboyant enough personalities and Murat would look dashing in his version of the Polish uniform (no doubt, it would involve a lot of gold, feathers, furs and wild color combinations) and the Poles could appreciate his horsemanship. Of course, this specific crown would be much more demanding than one of the Naples so, while losing on the appearances (but not bragging) side, Bernadotte could win some points on administration.

Lucien? Did he have a suitable personality? Even if dressed properly, can you imagine him on a horseback inspecting the troops side by side with Poniatovski? He would look as a shmuck.

View attachment 508852

View attachment 508853

Well not directly Lucien in Poland. The idea would be sending Lucien in Naples instead of Murat or sending Lucien in Holland and Louis in Poland (both will likely hate Napoleon for that but is not like he cared at all or he would have left Joseph in Naples and put Murat in Spain)

 

[alexmilman]

Well not directly Lucien in Poland. The idea would be sending Lucien in Naples instead of Murat or sending Lucien in Holland and Louis in Poland (both will likely hate Napoleon for that but is not like he cared at all or he would have left Joseph in Naples and put Murat in Spain)

Murat was distinctively unpopular in Spain even before the Bourbons had been removed: behavior of his troops triggered uprising in Madrid in May of 1808.

 

[isabella]

Murat was distinctively unpopular in Spain even before the Bourbons had been removed: behavior of his troops triggered uprising in Madrid in May of 1808.

Oh, well. I do not knew that but the job in Madrid still suited more Murat than Joseph. Pretty likely who if Napoleon reconcile with Lucien in time the latter will get Spain

 

[The Professor]

Wouldn't just reemerging the title of Brandenburg make more sense. If I recall, Napoleon only declared Poland as "Warsaw" because of Russia as Tilsit.

Yeah upgrading the March of Brandenburg to a Duchy could even be sold as a partial compensation too.

 

[David Oudinot]

Having the Duke of Warsaw AND the King of Poland seems to be excessive and situation when the Duke of Warsaw is also a King of Saxony (and in his Ducal capacity is subordinated to the King of Poland) does not make sense. The issue of “a guard dog” is irrelevant because neither OTL Duchy nor your Kingdom would be allowed any true independence. What would be needed is a reasonably prosperous and loyal state capable of raising big number of troops and supplies.

Now, as far as your argument regarding Davout is involved, it is not very convincing. Being loyal and maintaining discipline within an army corps is not the same as being a capable administrator on state level and while it can be argued that Poland needed “discipline” a person who would try to enforce it was not going to be popular. And if Nappy wanted to maintain Poland loyal to him candidate with a proven tendency to alienate people is not a very good one especially if you add a complete absence of any experience in the civic administration, diplomacy and any other relevant area including raising and supplying an army. The Poles needed someone capable of charming people into doing what is needed rather than a severe martinet issuing the orders.

As far as Bernadotte was involved, his loyalty had to be bought but he already proved that he can manage a big foreign territory without generating any unhappiness among the locals which was rather rare (city council of Lubeck presented him with 6 horses as a token of appreciation of him stopping the looting after city was stormed; in Hanseatic towns he became quite popular as a governor, when he was in charge of the French troops in Denmark he, again, became quite popular and even was awarded Order of the Elephant, after Walchern he accepted the general government of the Roman states). His acceptance of a specific position could not be taken for granted because he tended to use his brains (as was the case with Spain) but in your TL Poland Nappy would need somebody capable of acting with a great degree of independence (unlike OTL Duchy of Warsaw, this would be a big state with a complicated internal and international situation). Prior to the acceptance of the Swedish offer there is no reason to suspect any disloyalty and even as a heir to the Swedish throne he went on the other side only after Napoleon’s openly hostile actions.

When I declared that the King of Saxony was Duke of Warsaw in TTL I was referring to the fact that before the creation of the Kingdom of Poland the Saxon king remained as the Duke of Warsaw until that kingdom was created. The question of a watchdog is totally relevant and even you say what I mean or create a reasonably prosperous and loyal state capable of gathering large numbers of troops and supplies.

Davout's military administration capacity is what Napoleon needs (or at least he thinks) to create his guard dog, the state administration would be operated in conjunction with the French ambassador and Poniatowski although the duchy was anyway highly militarized, Davout would only be a guarantee of loyalty and military fiction since Napoleon at this time did not trust Poniatowski. It should be said that the Poles will accept any king imposed by Napoleon as long as it is neither Russian, Prussian or Austrian and given considerable territory as in this TTL.

With regard to Bernadotte I do not think that Napoleon offered him the Polish throne when he previously refused the Spanish throne (yes, Bernadotte may be `` intelligent '', but Napoleon will not take that into account), but Bernadotte's case He made me rethink certain things that I am currently considering, but he will not be King of Poland, but Davout may still be when I make certain modifications, but I have to think about it more calmly.

 

[David Oudinot]

Bernadotte or Murat would be better choices for Warsaw (or maybe Napoleon can have a change of mind and decide to resign himself to accept Alexandrine and get back Lucien).

Murat is already busy in Naples and Bernadotte will not have the opportunity for certain reasons (which will be explained in future modifications)

About Lucien, I wouldn't do it because I don't want to get too far from Napoleon's thoughts. Although of course one could make Lucien obey Napoleon, but I am not currently interested.

 

[David Oudinot]

I could see the Duchy of Warsaw getting East and West Prussia. Maybe even the Neumark.

Pomerania could be split between Sweden and the Duchy of Warsaw.

Silesia could be split between Saxony, Bohemia and the Duchy of Warsaw.

Hanover goes to Westphalia. Possibly so does Altmark, Magdeburg and Prignitz.

Your distribution is almost identical to the one I had in mind except for Silesia which was delivered entirely to Poland.

Another exception is also Pomeranian which is also given entirely to Poland.

 

[The Professor]

Your distribution is almost identical to the one I had in mind except for Silesia which was delivered entirely to Poland.

Why?

 

[alexmilman]

When I declared that the King of Saxony was Duke of Warsaw in TTL I was referring to the fact that before the creation of the Kingdom of Poland the Saxon king remained as the Duke of Warsaw until that kingdom was created. The question of a watchdog is totally relevant and even you say what I mean or create a reasonably prosperous and loyal state capable of gathering large numbers of troops and supplies.

Davout's military administration capacity is what Napoleon needs (or at least he thinks) to create his guard dog, the state administration would be operated in conjunction with the French ambassador and Poniatowski although the duchy was anyway highly militarized, Davout would only be a guarantee of loyalty and military fiction since Napoleon at this time did not trust Poniatowski. It should be said that the Poles will accept any king imposed by Napoleon as long as it is neither Russian, Prussian or Austrian and given considerable territory as in this TTL.

With regard to Bernadotte I do not think that Napoleon offered him the Polish throne when he previously refused the Spanish throne (yes, Bernadotte may be `` intelligent '', but Napoleon will not take that into account), but Bernadotte's case He made me rethink certain things that I am currently considering, but he will not be King of Poland, but Davout may still be when I make certain modifications, but I have to think about it more calmly.

The Poles would accept anybody but it does not mean that they’d remain happy under that person’s rule no matter what that person does. And I repeat, you are clearly confusing administrative functions of a corps commander (area in which Davout was excellent) with the administrative functions of a head of state and minister of war. Poland would remain loyal to Napoleon practically no matter what but Davout was a good candidate for making the Poles unhappy while Napoleon would be denied the services of his most capable marshal. Most probably Davout would do everything possible to keep Poland militarized but it is also quite possible that, with his well-known cruelty and intolerance to the sloppiness, he would make himself intensively disliked by his subjects.

As for Bernadotte, of course Nappy did not offer him the Polish throne in OTL because there was no Kingdom of Poland. Your claim that Napoleon was not taking his intellectual capacities into an account is hardly connected to the reality (and basically implies that Napoleon was an idiot): he was repeatedly given the administrative positions in which he proved to be quite effective. Crown of Spain never was officially offered to him (and it is quite possible that he wanted to do favor to his brother in law Joseph with whom he was friendly); after Walchern (he managed to piss Nappy off again both by success and by openly and correctly blaming him for unpreparedness) he refused to take army command in Catalonia and ... was appointed administrator of the Roman states. Even if Napoleon did not quite like Bernadotte he was well aware of the fact that a person with his combination of talents is rare and can be very useful to his empire (until birth of the King of Rome Naplieon considered Bernadotte as one of the possible successors). OTOH, Bernadotte, while also not liking Napoleon too much, served him loyally but understood that he is valuable enough to be allowed certain freedom of action.

It is entirely up to you to do whatever you want with your TL as long as it does not require the ASBs

 

[David Oudinot]

The Poles would accept anybody but it does not mean that they’d remain happy under that person’s rule no matter what that person does. And I repeat, you are clearly confusing administrative functions of a corps commander (area in which Davout was excellent) with the administrative functions of a head of state and minister of war. Poland would remain loyal to Napoleon practically no matter what but Davout was a good candidate for making the Poles unhappy while Napoleon would be denied the services of his most capable marshal. Most probably Davout would do everything possible to keep Poland militarized but it is also quite possible that, with his well-known cruelty and intolerance to the sloppiness, he would make himself intensively disliked by his subjects.

As for Bernadotte, of course Nappy did not offer him the Polish throne in OTL because there was no Kingdom of Poland. Your claim that Napoleon was not taking his intellectual capacities into an account is hardly connected to the reality (and basically implies that Napoleon was an idiot): he was repeatedly given the administrative positions in which he proved to be quite effective. Crown of Spain never was officially offered to him (and it is quite possible that he wanted to do favor to his brother in law Joseph with whom he was friendly); after Walchern (he managed to piss Nappy off again both by success and by openly and correctly blaming him for unpreparedness) he refused to take army command in Catalonia and ... was appointed administrator of the Roman states. Even if Napoleon did not quite like Bernadotte he was well aware of the fact that a person with his combination of talents is rare and can be very useful to his empire (until birth of the King of Rome Naplieon considered Bernadotte as one of the possible successors). OTOH, Bernadotte, while also not liking Napoleon too much, served him loyally but understood that he is valuable enough to be allowed certain freedom of action.

It is entirely up to you to do whatever you want with your TL as long as it does not require the ASBs

You underestimate Davout's administrative skills and his popularity among Poles. After the signing of the Tilsit Treaties, Davout was appointed Governor General by Napoleon in the Duchy of Warsaw, Napoleon put him in this position specifically for his administrative skills. Davout was also a fan of Polish independence, reminding Napoleon several times that an ally is better than a slave. For the Poles, if it wasn't Poniatowski, it was Davout and even though Murat or Jerome were interested in the Polish throne, Napoleon (for the reasons already expressed in this TTL) would not risk putting Jerome while Murat is too ambitious and not It could be compared to Davout for the creation of the ''guard dog''.

It should be noted that Davout was Minister of War during the Hundred Days, a position in which Napoleon considered Davout vital during this period. This is based on the fact that Napoleon can reasonably think of Davout as the King of Poland for his administration and loyalty skills.

All in all, Napoleon's candidate for Polish throne is Davout.

 

[David Oudinot]

Why?

It is a kind of message. The Poles are generously rewarded to generate general enthusiasm for their alliance with Napoleon while Austria and Russia are despised, the first for preparing for a war while Napoleon is busy and the second for maintaining an unbearable ambiguity in the Erfurt Congress.

 

[G-6]

Need threadmarks

 

[Evan]

Need threadmarks

Not yet.

 

[alexmilman]

You underestimate Davout's administrative skills and his popularity among Poles. After the signing of the Tilsit Treaties, Davout was appointed Governor General by Napoleon in the Duchy of Warsaw, Napoleon put him in this position specifically for his administrative skills. Davout was also a fan of Polish independence, reminding Napoleon several times that an ally is better than a slave. For the Poles, if it wasn't Poniatowski, it was Davout and even though Murat or Jerome were interested in the Polish throne, Napoleon (for the reasons already expressed in this TTL) would not risk putting Jerome while Murat is too ambitious and not It could be compared to Davout for the creation of the ''guard dog''.

It should be noted that Davout was Minister of War during the Hundred Days, a position in which Napoleon considered Davout vital during this period. This is based on the fact that Napoleon can reasonably think of Davout as the King of Poland for his administration and loyalty skills.

All in all, Napoleon's candidate for Polish throne is Davout.

As I said, it is your TL and you can chose whoever you want. I’m just expressing my thoughts.

I missed his appointment to the Duchy of Warsaw in 1807 -1808, thanks for reminding. This was vintage Davout: to deal efficiently with the havoc in the newly-created Duchy he subordinated all Polish institutions to the French military officials. This worked thanks to the initial Polish euphoria but for how long the Poles would keep liking the situation? While he was in the Duchy there was a rumor that he wants to make himself a king but neither he nor Napoleon ever made noise to this effect. At least according to http://wars175x.narod.ru/bgr_dvst.html Poniatovski was much more popular in the Duchy, which is not a big surprise taking into an account Davout’s rudeness, hate of favoritism and absense of the political skills. “The man is so rude that he is hated everywhere where he is put in charge”. Being honest at these time was not necessarily a merit: “live and let live” was a much preferred attitude.

Davout himself acknowledged that his demanding character alienates even the good officers and he was almost universally disliked by his peers. By the 1812 it was practically an open hate. At some point Murat almost called him to a duel and after Davout’s artillery did not support Murat’s crossing of the Dnieper there was an scandal in the imperial headquarters in which Napoleon sided with Murat. At Smolensk Murat and Ney abandoned Davout in a very risky position, “they condemned me to death”, and after the battle at Vyazma, thanks to the Ney’s false accusations, Davout was replaced by Ney as rearguard commander (needless to say that Ney completely screwed up in his usual “heroic” fashion losing practically all his troops). In 1813, thanks to the intrigues of his colleagues Davout was sent to the secondary front, his corps was taken from him and he was given the 13th corps which consisted of the raw recruits.

During the 100 Days Davout initially declined appointment as a minister of war considering himself unsuitable for the role and Napoleon had to insist. Davout proved to be effective (the existing structure was quite good) but, thanks to his usual rudeness, immediately went into quarrel with Sult who refused to carry his orders.

Not sure that a foreigner with these attitudes would be popular as a permanent ruler.

 

[David Oudinot]

As I said, it is your TL and you can chose whoever you want. I’m just expressing my thoughts.

I missed his appointment to the Duchy of Warsaw in 1807 -1808. This was vintage Davout: to deal efficiently with the havoc in the newly-created Duchy he subordinated all Polish institutions to the French military officials. This worked thanks to the initial Polish euphoria but for how long the Poles would keep liking the situation? While he was in the Duchy there was a rumor that he wants to make himself a king but neither he nor Napoleon ever made noise to this effect. At least according to http://wars175x.narod.ru/bgr_dvst.html Poniatovski was much more popular in the Duchy, which is not a big surprise taking into an account Davout’s rudeness, hate of favoritism and absense of the political skills. “The man is so rude that he is hated everywhere where he is put in charge”. Being honest at these time was not necessarily a merit: “live and let live” was a much preferred attitude.

Davout himself acknowledged that his demanding character alienates even the good officers and he was almost universally disliked by his peers. By the 1812 it was practically an open hate. At some point Murat almost called him to a duel and after Davout’s artillery did not support Murat’s crossing of the Dniester there was an scandal in the imperial headquarters in which Napoleon sided with Murat. At Smolensk Murat and Ney abandoned Davout in a very risky position “they condemned me to death” and after the battle at Vyazma, thanks to the Ney’s false accusations, Davout was replaced by Ney as rearguard commander (needless to say that Ney completely screwed up in his usual “heroic” fashion losing practically all his troops). In 1813, thanks to the intrigues of his colleagues Davout was sent to the secondary front, his corps was taken from him and he was given the 13th corps which consisted of the raw recruits.

During the 100 Days Davout initially declined appointment as a minister of war considering himself unsuitable for the role and Napoleon had to insist. Davout proved to be effective (the existing structure was quite good) but, thanks to his usual rudeness, immediately went into quarrel with Sult who refused to carry his orders.

Don't worry, express your thoughts freely. I appreciate the criticism.

I understand what you mean, but in Napoleon's eyes, Davout would be the most likely candidate for a hypothetical Polish throne.

http://www.napoleonicsociety.com/english/scholarship97/c_davout.html

I perceive that you want to show that Davout would not be the perfect king for Poland (which would suit Poniatowski better), but I have only concentrated on thinking who Napoleon would have liked to choose. In this case, Davout seems to be Napoleon's most likely candidate according to historical evidence. Regarding the Poles, I don't think they reject a king who in some way influenced their independence, treated them well, has property in Poland and is ingratiated with Napoleon. Certain politicians may be disturbed, but they would not risk harming the status of the Kingdom they have just been given. Live and let live as you say (I mean that the politicians you say will think this way not to stop criticizing).

 

[David Oudinot]

Attention!!

This prototype of alternative history has been modified severely to increase consistency, it is recommended to reread all parts.

After modifying my two previous parts here is the third part of my alternative history prototype. This part will be considered as the Second Point of Divergence. Read it, analyze it, enjoy it.

Kingdom of Poland (1809)

The Poles, a people torn apart by the interests of their neighbors, rose in rebellion in 1806 against Prussia, in support of Emperor Napoleon, hoping that he would resurrect the Polish nation. The uprising was successful and allowed them to obtain in 1807 through the Tilsit Treaties, a modest barely independent nation known as the Duchy of Warsaw, after such a long time, the Poles returned to have a nation that although small, made them flourish in the Poles a feeling of hope in the future.

Entrance of Jan Henryk Dąbrowski to Poznań painted by Jan Gładysz, the event shown in this painting is the beginning of the Greater Poland uprising (1806)

And they were not mistaken, after the publication of Stein's famous letter in 1808, Napoleon took advantage of the incident to strengthen his Polish allies, claiming his disturbance at the idea of a German rebellion. At the September Convention of the same year, Prussia is forced to cede Silesia to the Duchy of Warsaw. From here, the Poles begin to have a slightly wider freedom of maneuver and political relief from the uncertainty of whether Napoleon would continue to support the Poles. Unfortunately, they could not enjoy the moment since on April 14, 1809 (on the eve of the Fifth Coalition War) they were attacked by the Austrian army under the archduke Fernando Fernando of Austria-East.

The Polish defenders were undermined as a considerable part of their forces were transferred to Spain, which prevented an effective counteroffensive against the Austrians. Despite the above, Polish troops under Poniatowski arrested an Austrian force that exceeded them 2 to 1, however they could not prevent the capture of Warsaw by the enemy. After a series of battles, the Poles resumed the initiative and invaded the territory of Galicia that had once belonged to them. With the defeat of Austria in the Battle of Wagram and the signing of the Treaty of Schönbrunn, the Duchy of Warsaw obtained its reward for its performance in the war with the obtaining of the territory of Western Galicia, however Napoleon not only thanked them with more territory but on October 20, 1809 he announced his intention to raise the Duchy of Warsaw to the category of kingdom.

Battle of Raszyn (1809), in this battle, the Poles achieved a tactical victory against Austria in the War of Fifth Coalition

Although Austria wanted to protest, it was weakened by the recent war while Russia became more distant from France since the Congress of Erfurt (1808), but the most important issue was who would take the Polish throne. Prince Józef Poniatowski was the legitimate candidate and had a prominent role in the last war being considered a hero by his countrymen and even Napoleon gave him a ceremonial saber for his victories, but Napoleon although he held him in high esteem, did not trust him enough he. Joachim Murat, King of Naples, hastened to ask Napoleon to consider him for the throne, but Napoleon's goal was to create a strong state friendly with France that could help significantly in a possible Franco-Russian war, which Napoleon's eyes, Murat could not comply (it should be mentioned that the relations between Napoleon and Murat were sour at this time because Murat was chosen by Fouché and Talleyrand to replace Napoleon while he was in Spain, fortunately for Murat, he was married to the Emperor's sister who mediated between both of them ). Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte was another of the rumored since Napoleon considered him as a possible successor in case of not having children besides being a capable administrator and even Napoleon came to offer him indirectly the throne of Spain, however Bernadotte's conduct left much to be desired, in the Battle of Auerstädt Bernadotte did not come to the aid of Davout who was outnumbered (although he won it extraordinarily), he sent letters to Napoleon where he made clear his empty interest in the Spanish crown and his inept performance in the Battle of Wagram, as well as his controversial Order of the Day (in which he attributed the success of the aforementioned battle to the Saxons under his command contradicting Napoleon's official bulletin) caused Napoleon to lose his consideration for him.

On October 23, the Duchy of Warsaw is elevated to the Kingdom of Poland and on October 25 Napoleon announces his election of Marshal Louis-Nicolas Davout as King of Poland. Davout was appointed as Governor General in the Duchy of Warsaw by Napoleon after the Tilsit Treaties where he demonstrated efficient administration and won the support of the local population by promising their protection and he was a Polish independence enthusiast reminding Napoleon whenever it could be that ''an ally is better than a slave''. His performance in the recent campaign consecrated him even more to Napoleon's eyes. On October 30, Davout is crowned in Warsaw as King of Poland under the name of Ludwik II Mikolaj Davouta.

Louis-Nicolas Davout, Marshal of France (1804) and King of Poland (1809)

 

[alexmilman]

Don't worry, express your thoughts freely. I appreciate the criticism.

I understand what you mean, but in Napoleon's eyes, Davout would be the most likely candidate for a hypothetical Polish throne.

http://www.napoleonicsociety.com/english/scholarship97/c_davout.html

I perceive that you want to show that Davout would not be the perfect king for Poland (which would suit Poniatowski better), but I have only concentrated on thinking who Napoleon would have liked to choose. In this case, Davout seems to be Napoleon's most likely candidate according to historical evidence. Regarding the Poles, I don't think they reject a king who in some way influenced their independence, treated them well, has property in Poland and is ingratiated with Napoleon. Certain politicians may be disturbed, but they would not risk harming the status of the Kingdom they have just been given. Live and let live as you say (I mean that the politicians you say will think this way not to stop criticizing).

I found a piece relevant to the royal schema in Bourienne’s memoirs (unfortunately, format was almost unreadable). For whatever it worth he claims that in a conversation with him Davout expressed expectation that he is going to be appointed viceroy of the Duchy (B’s comment: “a fate that I would not wish to the Poles”) and that the French officers would be granted “starostwo” (ownership of the crown land with some administrative functions). When B expressed doubts that the Poles would take lightly distribution of their land to the foreigners, D presumably answered “who cares about their complaints, sword overrules everything and deals with all problems.” Burienn concludes episode saying that he hopes that if Napoleon is going to restore Poland he would select as a ruler someone of a truly high birth whom everybody is going to respect.
https://books.google.com/books?id=3...wBXoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=даву в польше&f=false