On November 4th, 1804, Napoleon and his Grand Army undertook an arduous march of 575 kilometers from Berlin to Warsaw, the capital city of the former European powerhouse, Polish-Lithuania.
As Napoleon rode on horseback, he couldn't help but notice the throngs of Polish citizens lining the streets. They enthusiastically waved small flags bearing the insignia of the Empire of France as the army made its way through the streets of Warsaw. The atmosphere was electric, with Poles whistling, cheering, shouting, and showing their exuberant support for the French forces.
"It's reminiscent of that when we first arrived in Italy," Murat, who was riding a horse next to him, commented.
"You are right, it exactly looked like this," Napoleon concurred, his eyes glancing at the sea of faces before him. Memories of their triumphant march through Italy flooded his mind. The similarities between that moment and this one were striking.
Napoleon's gaze shifted from the crowd to the grandeur of Warsaw itself. The city stood as a testament to its storied history, with its towering spires, impressive architecture, and the remnants of its once-great empire.
As the procession continued, they passed by historic landmarks, including the Royal Castle and the Cathedral of St. John.
The Royal Castle's imposing walls and the intricate sculptures on the Cathedral of St. John were reminders of the grandeur that had once defined this city. Napoleon couldn't help but appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Poland-Lithuania, even as he led his army through its streets as a conqueror.
Polish-Lithuania, also known as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was a significant European power that existed from the late 16th century until its eventual dissolution through a series of partitions in the late 18th century. Its history is marked by a unique political structure, cultural diversity, and periods of both strength and decline.
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth emerged from the Union of Lublin in 1569, which united the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania into a single state. This union created one of the largest and most populous countries in Europe at the time, with a rich blend of cultures, languages, and religions, including Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, and Judaism.
During its early years, the Commonwealth experienced a period of prosperity and expansion. It played a key role in repelling Ottoman invasions and thwarting the expansionist ambitions of the Russian Empire and Sweden. The Commonwealth's constitution, known as the "Noble's Democracy," granted significant power to the nobility (szlachta), which, in turn, contributed to a vibrant cultural and intellectual environment.
However, over time, the decentralized political structure and the liberum veto, a parliamentary procedure allowing any noble to veto legislation, led to instability and weakened central authority. The Commonwealth struggled to adapt to changing geopolitical circumstances, and it became vulnerable to external pressures.
The beginning of the end for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth came with the First Partition of Poland in 1772 when Prussia, Russia, and Austria seized significant territories. These partitions continued, with the Second Partition in 1793 and the Third Partition in 1795, effectively erasing the Commonwealth from the map. Poland-Lithuania ceased to exist as an independent nation.
This turbulent history of foreign domination and territorial loss had deeply impacted the Polish-Lithuanian people. By the time of Napoleon's arrival in 1804, Poland-Lithuania had been divided among three neighboring empires, and the Poles longed for their nation's restoration and independence.
So there was no surprise to Napoleon that he would be welcomed with open arms by the Poles, for they saw him as a liberator—a figure who could potentially help them reclaim their lost sovereignty and revive their national identity. The passionate reception in Warsaw was not merely an expression of admiration for the French Emperor but also a fervent hope for a brighter future.
Dismounting from his horse and stepping onto a makeshift stage, Napoleon addressed the crowd and the dignitaries before him. "Citizens of Poland," he began. "Your nation was wiped off the map due to the insatiable hunger of your neighbors. I have seen your pain and I am bringing you a remedy. For that, the Empire of France shall help you reclaim your rightful place among the nations of Europe."
Napoleon's words resonated deeply with the Poles, who had endured decades of foreign rule and partition. He continued, his voice carrying through the square, "The Empire of France stands by your side, ready to support your aspirations for independence and sovereignty. Together, we shall work tirelessly to rewrite the pages of history and resurrect the great nation of Poland."
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their cheers echoing through the heart of Warsaw. Napoleon bowed his head before stepping down the makeshift platform to the sound of roaring cheers.
As he made his way through the crowd, Napoleon was met with countless expressions of gratitude and hope. Polish men and women pressed close to him, offering heartfelt words of encouragement. The sight of Polish children waving the flags of both France and Poland filled him with a sense of responsibility toward their future.
Two hours later, he had to retreat back to his temporary residence in Warsaw, the Royal Castle of Warsaw itself. The interior of the Royal Castle of Warsaw was sumptuous, luxurious, and replete with opulence. But that's only that, outside, it was depressing, bleak, and sad.
Warsaw was an impoverished state, with no modern infrastructure like electricity, railways, or proper sanitation systems. Well, it was to be expected as it was a conquered state, and conquered states were rarely developed by the conquerors as they would rather spend the money on their own cities.
But Napoleon was different, he wanted a strong ally in central Europe, and in order for that to happen, he'd have to modernize Poland.
He went to one of its staterooms which he could use as an office.
At one of the grand staterooms of the Royal Castle of Warsaw, Napoleon sat at an elaborately adorned desk. And there, he pulled out a map of Europe in 1804. He wished to revive Poland with its border similar to the 21st century. That would mean, shaving off Prussia's entire eastern land.
Prussia would definitely not be happy when they saw his terms. But if Prussia could erase a country off the map through partitions, their country could be erased as well.
Now the matters at hand, Russia. It's still at war with France. Napoleon didn't want to stay in Warsaw for long, he needed to defeat them decisively and return home. He had just missed Francis and Aveline's birthday so all the more reason to end this war quickly.
But as he was about to draw up plans, Armand entered the door.
"Your Majesty, there is someone here that would like to see you," Armand informed.
"Who is it?" Napoleon asked.
"She introduced herself as Marie Waleska, Your Majesty," Armand revealed.
"Marie Walewska," Napoleon repeated, recognizing the name, "Okay, let her in."
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