PC: Napoleon captured before invading Russia, exiled, returns to wreak havoc

Were Britain's plans all along to exile Napoleon to someplace like Elba? Let's say someone gets lucky after one of his battles, Austerlitz, Eylau or Wagram or whatever, but before the Russia campaign, and captures him. Woudl he capitulate and just come back like he did OTL? If so, would he be able to wreak more havic since he has more at his disposal?

Or, before the Russia campaign, could the European powers sue for peace, let him have France (and maybe some of Italy) and just leave Britain hanging? After all, he was offered a peace in 1813 IIRC, but not by the British if I understand. (And, without many troops ont he continent, maybe the British couldn't do anything before 1813 or so. Which would be bad news for Spain if it's after his invasion there, as he might try to keep it in negotiations.)
 
Damn! Wrote a reply then lost connection when I tried to save. Anyway trying again.:(


Were Britain's plans all along to exile Napoleon to someplace like Elba? Let's say someone gets lucky after one of his battles, Austerlitz, Eylau or Wagram or whatever, but before the Russia campaign, and captures him. Woudl he capitulate and just come back like he did OTL? If so, would he be able to wreak more havic since he has more at his disposal?

I think it would depend on the time and circumstances. If he's captured rather than forced to surrender it might be an exile like St Helena straight away rather than a pocket empire like Elba he can more easily return from. Or possibly simply executed or the troops who took him report on his unfortunate accident.;)

Probably a return of the Bourbons and as much of pre-1789 Europe as the victors could manage. Unless, if the army has retreated from the defeat in good order and before Napoleon's wars bled France dry some other figure might try and continue the conflict, say some Marshal or other figure claiming the imperial throne.


Or, before the Russia campaign, could the European powers sue for peace, let him have France (and maybe some of Italy) and just leave Britain hanging? After all, he was offered a peace in 1813 IIRC, but not by the British if I understand. (And, without many troops ont he continent, maybe the British couldn't do anything before 1813 or so. Which would be bad news for Spain if it's after his invasion there, as he might try to keep it in negotiations.)

The European powers were forced to make peace several times in this period but Britain fought on because it didn't really have much choice. Given the political and economic situation I would say that assorted continental powers will challenge French domination and sooner or later some coalition is likely to take him down.

In the duration if Napoleon has already seized the Spanish throne for Joseph it will take a hell of a lot to make the Spanish stop fighting. Also while France is still at war with them and posing an immediate threat Britain will support them so the ulcer will continue to bled.

Possibly the only real chance is if the peace of Ameins holds. I think you would need a different Napoleon for that and also many in Britain and elsewhere had deep concerns. However it might have happened and if he started diverting his attention to securing and settling Louisiana you might have seen a long period of peace and stability in Europe.

Steve
 
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