(caveat: everything I know about the affair, I learned from a one page Wiki file, but, hey, why let that stop me! so this is just an idle afternoon banter)
allegedly, Britain was trying to build up a coalition against France (Spain, for instance, was not too happy about France taking the island), but it collapsed. So, how was Britain to oppose the takeover? Blockade France/Corsica? Invasion of France, even with a coalition, probably isn't on the table. counter invasion of Corsica? Simple show of sabre rattling might back France down?
Britain had it's hands full in America, and was not in much shape to get into a major war so soon after the 7yrWar. France wasn't in much shape, either, even though it was itching for revenge against Britain. A year or two later, F declined to join Spain against B during the Falklands Crisis, citing not being ready (although this could be just as likely a case of the typical French attitude toward Spain in the 18th century of only being friends when F wanted something from S, and ignoring them when it was the other way around).
Somehow, I doubt full scale war would break out.
from Wiki: "The fall of Corsica was attacked in the
Junius Letters which asserted that Corsica would never have been invaded had Britain showed firmness.
[1]:562The other major powers of Europe took note of the British failure to act, and severe damage was done to Britain's international standing.
[2]:127"
But what happens if the bluff doesn't work, and Britain is forced to back down, or get involved militarily? France can't exactly handle another loss of face.
Four scenarios:
Bluff causes France to reconsider.
Bluff is called and Britain backs down.
Bluff is called and Britain is forced to ante up. my knee jerk reaction is that their naval power allows them to blockade the island, preventing French reinforcements, while limited British forces/massive aid to the corsicans carry the day.
All hell breaks loose.
Again, kneejerk reaction with very limited knowledge on the topic says Britain can't back down once they draw the line in the sand. France is more likely to back down IF they think Britain can enforce a blockade and has the will. Wiki made it sound like Britain didn't even attempt to be firm.
and ah, yes, the butterflies.