Chapter 310 Prelude to the Battle of Nations
June 20th, 1804. Austrian Empire Capital City, Vienna.
Napoleon and his Grand Army advanced through the streets of Vienna, heading toward the Hofburg Palace. Along the sides of the road, the atmosphere was heavy with gloom and despondency.
The once-thriving city now bore the weight of impending occupation. As the French troops pressed forward, the local population watched in silence, their faces etched with worry and fear.
Napoleon himself rode at the head of the column. He observed the somber scene around him, taking note of the austere expressions on the faces of Vienna's residents.
Soldiers, disciplined and battle-hardened, marched in unison, their uniforms crisp and their weapons gleaming. Their footsteps echoed through the cobblestone streets, a stark contrast to the hushed tones of the city's inhabitants.
Napoleon's eyes never wavered from his objective—the Hofburg Palace. It stood as a symbol of Austrian power, and its capture would mark a significant victory for the French Emperor. But capturing the capital city of the Austrian Empire doesn't mean they have won the war.
He received word that the Emperor of the Austrian Empire declared the capital as an open city, sparing it from the devastating bombardment and destruction that often befell conquered cities. This doesn't surprise Napoleon in the slightest, as it would have been the wisest move the Emperor could do.
And even if they didn't declare it as an open city, he wouldn't lay waste on their capital. Vienna is a city that is rich in history, culture, and beautiful architecture.
He remembered his last time visiting Vienna when he was First Consul. The Sch?nbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral had left a lasting impression on him.
"Your Majesty, we are approaching the Hofburg Palace," Murat, who was riding next to him, announced, bringing Napoleon's thoughts back to the present.
Ahead of them was the Hofburg Palace with its grand facade and imposing presence. While looking around the streets once more, he didn't notice that there were power lines and street lights installed along the streets, a sign that Austria are modernizing like France.
***
Ten minutes later, Napoleon was inside the throne hall of the Hofburg Palace. The throne room was a grand chamber, adorned with tapestries and paintings that celebrated the Habsburg dynasty's long reign. Its beauty rivals that of Versailles.
He walked over to the throne and sat on it. The ornate carvings and gilded details of the throne contrasted with the simplicity of his uniform. Even when he was Emperor, Napoleon dressed simply in a battle.
His marshals and advisors stood respectfully before him, awaiting his orders.
"The war is not yet over," Napoleon began. "The Austrian Emperor is regrouping with his allies, the Prussians and Russians. We are going to rest for a few days and after we have regained our strength, we will continue the chase."
The marshals and advisors listened attentively to their Emperor's words with respect and their heads low.
"Now, I want all your men under your command not to pillage, loot, or anything that would harm the city or its people. We are a powerful and professional army. We do not do barbaric things like some. Vienna's culture and heritage shall be preserved."
Marshal Ney stepped forward and spoke with a determined tone. "Your Majesty, you have our word. Vienna shall remain unspoiled."
Other marshals such as Davout, Lannes, and Bernadotte, nodded in agreement.
***
June 27th, 1804.
One week had passed since Napoleon's forces occupied the capital city of the Austrian Empire, Vienna. During this time, the coalition forces' heads of state convened a crucial meeting at Hauenschild Palace.
The King of Prussia, Frederick William III, took his seat at the ornate conference table. He was followed by the imposing figure of the Russian Emperor, Paul I, who had traveled a great distance to attend this gathering. Finally, the Austrian Emperor, Francis II, joined the assembly,
King Frederick William III spoke first. "So, the French defeated the Austrian Army at Ulm in just hours and took Vienna a day after General Kutuzov failed to thwart the French advances. This is a serious development.
Emperor Paul I of Russia, his demeanor stern, rebutted. "The Russians weren't defeated, they were simply outnumbered. If General Kutuzov had more troops, the outcome might have been different."
Emperor Francis II of Austria, though weary from the recent events, asserted. "The Austrian Empire was not defeated yet by France."
"But your capital is captured," King Frederick William III countered. "Vienna is under Napoleon's control, and that cannot be ignored."
"That is correct, but was there a treaty signed by Austria surrendering to France? I don't think so," Emperor Francis II of Austria replied with a firm tone.
"Now everyone. Let us mature and reflect upon the situation at hand," Tsar Paul I interjected. "I have General Kutuzov here who would like to share something he learned after fighting the French Army. General Kutuzov, you may proceed," Tsar Paul I said, giving the floor to General Kutuzov.
General Mikhail Kutuzov, his uniform showing signs of wear from recent battles, stepped forward. He addressed the assembly with a measured tone.
"Gentlemen, the French Army, are ahead of their time. The tactics that they used at the Battle of Ulm and our encounter were nothing compared to the traditional mode of warfare ten years ago. Using old tactics against a modernized army with modern tactics would surely lose. Fighting an enemy in their own game also presents challenges. It was evident at the Battle of Ulm.
Our men lack combat experience with bolt-action rifles, machine guns, and long-range artillery. In addition, the French were using railways effectively to transport troops and supplies. Even if we combine our forces and outnumber the French, there is a high chance that France would emerge victorious."
After hearing General Kutuzov's assessment, a heavy silence fell over the assembly.
"General Kutuzov," Tsar Paul I broke the silence. "I think you are overestimating the abilities of the French and at the same time underestimating the strength of our coalition."
"I am simply stating the fact, Your Majesty," General Kutuzov replied with conviction.
"So what are we going to do? Negotiate with Napoleon?" King Frederick William III snorted. "There's no way I would do that. We have adopted their weaponry and Prussia has thousands of capable men that can push the French back to the River Rhine."
"As I have said before, the men lack combat experience with new weapons," Kutuzov reiterated and added. "And no, we are not going to negotiate with Napoleon. It's quite the contrary."
"What do you propose? Do we launch an offensive?" Francis II asked.
Kutuzov shook his head. "We let the French come to us. We will dig trenches and set up cannons at strategic positions. This battle is not going to be about maneuverability, it's about attrition. We have a force of over 100,000 men, the French have roughly about the same. The last man standing wins."
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