WI Prussia takes most of Czechoslovakia in 1866

[AuroraBorealis]

In any case, Britain would really frown upon Napoleon getting the Rhineland. Look at a map, it's pretty clear Belgium will be next...

Hence my statement that the French would settle for influence in client states along the Rhine instead...

 

[Max Sinister]

Or just take small parts (the Saar, and Luxembourg maybe, which didn't work out IOTL).

 

[Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy]

In any case, Britain would really frown upon Napoleon getting the Rhineland. Look at a map, it's pretty clear Belgium will be next...

I expect Britain to oppose French acquisition of the Palatinate (Bavaria would be on the winning side anyway) and to ask that Belgium get Luxembourg. The French gain would then be pretty hard to defend against an attack from Bavarian or Belgian territory, something that would suit Britain just fine. It would also make France look absolutely ridiculous on the map, which comes as a bonus.

 

[Homer]

Hence my statement that the French would settle for influence in client states along the Rhine instead...

That would mean only minor success for Napoleon III. in public view.

He tried several times to get the Palatinate, Luxemburg or parts of Belgium. Hew wanted the rhine frontier, thus he would certainly try to get some parts - the Sarre, Palatinate, whatever.

And now what would any nationalistic German say when the French save the Habsburgs and get some territories in the West.

 

[Max Sinister]

Maybe they'd try a revolution again, since they have no hope anymore for Prussia uniting Germany, and are this time successful. Would be time... every other decent people managed to make a successful revolution against stupid kings.

 

[Homer]

Maybe they'd try a revolution again, since they have no hope anymore for Prussia uniting Germany, and are this time successful. Would be time... every other decent people managed to make a successful revolution against stupid kings.

Interesting idea!

Maybe if the Prussian government settles for a peace treaty with the evil French that gives them Palatinate, Sarre, Cologne, just because they are close to defeat and now nationalists in all German countries start a rebellion against those "traitors" - the Prussians for giving up, the Austrians for allying with the French.
But would such a defeat be enough to start a revolution even in - ITTL victorious - Southern German states? And Austria?

Would it be possible for the French and Austrians to fully defeat the Prussians - without intervention of other european powers to prevent the destruction of Prussia?

 

[Max Sinister]

It all depends. Maybe all that happens is that old king Wilhelm and Bismarck retire, and Friedrich III becomes new king and gives Prussia the first constitution. This, and himself related to queen Vicky will lead to good relations between Prussia and Britain, that's sure.

 

[Homer]

It all depends. Maybe all that happens is that old king Wilhelm and Bismarck retire, and Friedrich III becomes new king and gives Prussia the first constitution. This, and himself related to queen Vicky will lead to good relations between Prussia and Britain, that's sure.

Well, a liberal, pro-British king in Prussia would be something entirely new.

Anyway, no Prussian victory would certainly delay German unification.
And AH alliance to France would lead to strong Anti-Habsburg ressentiments among German nationalists. This would again increase the chance for the smaller German solution.