WI: Napoleon dies during the Invasion of Russia

For purposes of the scenario, let's say that he is accidentally hit by a wild cannonball or crazy gun.

What happens to his empire? Who would take charge? What effects does this have on the Napoleonic Wars?
 
Possibility 1)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malet_coup_of_1812

His dynasty is lost, and Fouché, Talleyrand and some ambitious general having staged the coup will become the rulers of France.

Possibility 2)

Loyal supporters of Napoleon, like Cambacérès, the Marie-Louise, Joséphine, and Napoleon's brothers think that Nappy is alive and are able to convince the soldier that there is conspiracy against the Empereur. Even if later on is becomes clear that he is really dead, the supporters of a coup d'état are compromised and a regency for Napoleon II is formed.

In both cases, I see the French government trying to get the soldiers out of Russia as quick as possible and then to seek peace with Europe. France will likely maintain its borders of 1812 and the vassal states in Germany and Italy. Everything else, especially Poland and Illyria, will have to be returned to Austria and Russia to reach a peace agreement.
 
Well, I would say "the sooner, the better for the french empire".

Have Napoleon die from a wound in august 1812 and have him let a will where he entrusts Davout with supreme military command of the army.

Davout would probably have won the campaign and restored Poland.

There is a regency taking place which was the best thing that could happen to prevent Napoleon's overreaching gambles and end the dangerous situation where only one man decided everything for France.

Fouché and Talleyrand were not in situation to be king makers in 1812.
 
For purposes of the scenario, let's say that he is accidentally hit by a wild cannonball or crazy gun.

What happens to his empire? Who would take charge? What effects does this have on the Napoleonic Wars?

You just saw the Minion movie, didn't you? They never did explain now ol' Nappy survived that . . . :D
 
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