What territory would France takeI think that a French victory does two thing. First is that it makes French-German relations much more hostile and antagonistic since Napoleon will undoubtedly demand land. And secondly it may somewhat weaken Prussian leadership within Germany since their military leadership just lost the war.
Rhineland or at least part of it. Luxembourg too.What territory would France take
Wouldn't that cause issues with other great powers due to the second treaty of LondonLuxembourg too.
Rhineland or at least part of it. Luxembourg too.
I don't think anyone other than Britain and Prussia would care.Wouldn't that cause issues with other great powers due to the second treaty of London
I don't think anyone other than Britain and Prussia would care.
Something about having the biggest fortress or something.Agreed. Luxembourg almost certainly becomes part of France. Napoleon was really dead set on acquiring it for some reason.
The Bavarian Palatinate ?France is not taking the Rhineland, it's simply too much, but they can take the Saar, Luxembourg and Trier as well and maybe some Bavarian territory around that region as well, but that's about it.
Yes, although the French might want to get the South Germans on their good side as well, but it's kinda hard to do if they annex German land in any amount.Something about having the biggest fortress or something.
The Bavarian Palatinate ?
They could technically pass some border adjustments back to the 1789 border in the Rhineland - France IIRC had slightly more in the Saar, like IIRC Sarrebruck - as acceptable. Large amounts though ? Way tougher to justify.Yes, although the French might want to get the South Germans on their good side as well, but it's kinda hard to do if they annex German land in any amount.
I think that a French victory does two thing. First is that it makes French-German relations much more hostile and antagonistic since Napoleon will undoubtedly demand land. And secondly it may somewhat weaken Prussian leadership within Germany since their military leadership just lost the war.
anyway could France win the Franco-Prussian war but Germany still forms during or immediately after the war
How would this affect European politics
Hardly. Because you are giving a contradictory injunction.
It is victory more than war that united Germany around Prussia. Because victory, and a stunning one, gave the German States and population a feeling of pride and demonstrated them that unity was worth it.
But the south German States were very reluctant to join a military (they were forced into it by Prussia) and the political federation led by Prussia.
So if the Prussia-led German coalition loses to France, all the house of cards built by Bismarck crumbles.
The reluctant German States will probably want to severe military ties with Prussia. And if ever they did not want it, they would be forced by France to severe these ties.
France can annex but small german territories otherwise it will alienate Britain. Which, since 1815, France had understood it should never do again unless becoming able to defeat Britain.
So France will translate victory by making sure of one point : that Germany remains divided.
This may imply creating a kind of south german confederation with Bavaria, Wurtemberg and Baden whose independence would be guaranteed by France and Austria-Hungary.
If the French victory is a clear one, this may mean making prussian Rhineland Westphalia inndependant from Prussia and restoring an independent kingdom of Hanover to please Britain. Which may help France secure Britain’s agreement for a few more territorial gains than just Luxemburg.
PS : this question was already asked several times on the forum, including very recently.