Ok lets assume for a moment that Napoleon on the retreat from Moscow and that epic failure dies, from whatever. The how he dies isn't important here. But once news of his death reaches Paris, could Talleyrand take power and end the war for once and all?
I figure that that there would be no War of the Seventh Coalition without Napoleon around. Talleyrand is the only one I put in the same league of Bismarck in being a real genius in foreign affairs and domestic affairs. Without Nappy I think Talleyrand could create a peace that would see France enlarge its European territories, allows the monarch to return to France but on their terms, and find a peace at a Congress of Vienna like meeting. If so what gains would France see from not forcing the Sixth Coalition to fight across Germany? Further what terms would the French be wanting to make the return of the monarchy be something they can live with?
I really need a good book on the history of EUrope on this time? Anyone?