Inspired by the Longer Second Empire thread...
To my knowledge, this question is not often asked. If the French had defeated the Prussians et al, presumably in the frontier battles, and driven them back, what would the immediate and long-term effects have been?
For a start, what would it have taken for the defeated Prussians to have made peace with the French? Would they have tried to withdraw, consolidate and attack again? If that then was defeated? Or would defeats in the frontiers have broken up the coalition, seen the South defect or seen places like Hannover rise up?
Would any vestige of the North German Confederation survive defeat, or would the French have demanded its dissolution? Would places like Hannover have taken their independence through their own actions, or would it be delivered to them by Paris?
Would Austria intervene if Prussia is defeated, and the NGC on the verge of collapse? Would Vienna even try to get Silesia back, or are they too wary even of a Prussia reeling in defeat to try?
Would France try to get territorial gains, and if so would Britain allow any such treaty to stand? Given that most of the territory abutting France belongs to the South German states, would Paris risk pushing them back into Prussia's arms by making any such demands?
How would the international situation within Europe settle down after a Prussian defeat? Would France be perceived as the hegemon? Would Britain and Russia form a counterpoint? How does this affect joint action or pressure being brought to bear in the Eastern Question? Phrased such, as it could be in support of or against the Ottomans, depending on circumstances.
What happens within Prussia? Presumably Wilhelm I will abdicate and Bismarck be fired. Would the Crown Prince be badly affected by defeat, presumably having commanded one of the defeated armies? Would a Frederick III reign begin amidst unpopularity as he is perceived as a defeated man? Would there be revolution, and if so would Britain intervene to support Victoria's son-in-law?
Best Regards
Grey Wolf