Chapter 325 Congress of Versailles Part 1
Upon hearing the outlined agenda, the room was filled with a subtle yet palpable tension. Delegates shifted in their seats, discreetly exchanging glances and whispered comments. The ceasefire between the Empire of France, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Russian Empire had been a fragile one, and its formal conclusion was a matter of utmost priority for all parties involved.
Delegate Karl August von Hardenberg from the Kingdom of Prussia adjusted his spectacles and took a deep breath. He had been privy to backroom discussions about the impending peace treaty, and he knew that the road to a resolution would be fraught with challenges. Beside him, Tsar Paul I, representing the Russian Empire, tapped his fingers impatiently on the table. The future of Eastern Europe and the balance of power hinged on the decisions made in this room.
The topic of Italy's annexation of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, however, brought a different kind of anxiety. With Napoleon himself representing the Republic of Italy due to his position as its president, many nations were wary. The Republic of Italy's increasing influence was evident, and its ties to the Empire of France raised concerns about the balance of power in Southern Europe.
But it was the mention of Africa that raised the most eyebrows. The concept of a "Scramble for Africa" was foreign to most of the delegates. Many of them had limited knowledge about the vast continent, its resources, and its potential strategic importance. The term itself was provocative, suggesting a race or competition to stake claims on uncharted territories.
Viscount Castlereagh, representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland, leaned over to Sir James Douglas and whispered, "Scramble for Africa? What's Napoleon thinking?"
Castlereagh, always one for diplomacy, replied, "It's a bold move, to say the least. But let's hear him out."
Napoleon watched as the room's conversations dwindled to muted whispers, and then to complete silence. With every eye in the Hall of Mirrors fixed upon him, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, the delegates waiting for him to shed light on the outlined agenda.
"Firstly," Napoleon began, "I wish to address the ongoing hostilities between the Empire of France, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Russian Empire. It's in the interest of all our nations, and indeed of Europe, to find a peaceful resolution. I propose that we formally conclude a peace treaty. The Empire of France is willing to establish terms of amity and cooperation with both the Kingdom of Prussia and the Russian Empire."
Delegate Karl August von Hardenberg of Prussia exchanged a glance with Tsar Paul I Ivanov of Russia. This is it, the moment they have been waiting for.
"As the victorious nation of the War of the Third Coalition, our terms are clear. That is the creation of a new state in Central Europe. The Kingdom of Germany and the Kingdom of Poland."
Maximilian, the electorate of the Electorate of Bavaria, adjusted his tie and glanced at the Prussian delegate, a smirk gracing his lips. The electorates of the German nation-states were also exchanging glances, wondering how Napoleon would plan this out.
"In the treaty we signed with the Austrians, the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II agreed to renounce his claims to all German states, leading to the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. This has created a void in Central Europe, particularly in the German states. A collection of small German states would lead to an unforeseen problem, only unification can solve it. Not only will it solve future conflicts but strengthen Germany as a whole. This proposed Kingdom of Germany would consolidate these states into a single entity, bringing stability and strength to Central Europe."
There were audible murmurs in the room, with representatives of the German states particularly keen on understanding the implications of this move.
Tsar Paul I interjected, "And the leadership for this proposed Kingdom of Germany? It's Maximilian, the electorate of Bavaria, isn't it?"
Napoleon nodded, "Indeed. We suggest that the leadership be offered to Maximilian of Bavaria, given his prominent position among the German states and his proven leadership abilities. However, the selection process will involve the input of all German states to ensure that the choice is agreeable to the majority."
"Your Majesty, I would like to ask, are the Prussians included in this unification of German states? Because if it is, then I am afraid Prussia won't agree to this proposition," Delegate Karl August von Hardenberg stated firmly. "The Kingdom of Prussia has its own interests and has long been a significant power in Central Europe. Merging it with other German states under a single leadership might not be in our best interests."
"I don't think you haven't understood your position here, Herr Hardenberg. The Kingdom of Prussia was defeated in the war, you don't get to make the terms, I do. And one of the terms of the treaty is Prussia integrating into the new Kingdom of Germany," Napoleon responded with a stern tone.
Delegate Karl August von Hardenberg sighed, "Your Majesty, while I acknowledge the current circumstances, it's vital to consider the long-term stability of the region. A forced unification without the consent of the major states involved might lead to further conflicts in the future."
"There won't be conflict if no one instigates," Napoleon said.
"How do you address the difference between Prussia and Bavaria? Or the north and south of Germany for that matter?" Hardenberg countered. "There are significant cultural, religious, and economic disparities between the various German states. Each state has its own history, traditions, and interests. How do you propose to bridge these differences and ensure a cohesive and united Kingdom of Germany?"
Napoleon paused for a moment, clearly considering the weight of the question. "Every nation has its internal differences," he began. "However, the goal here is to create a strong, unified front in Central Europe. The differences can be addressed through regional autonomy and by ensuring that each state has a voice in the central government."
Maximilian, the electorate of Bavaria, added, "While I am in favor of unification, it's crucial to ensure that the unique identities of each state are preserved. We cannot ignore the deep-rooted traditions and values of each region. A one-size-fits-all approach won't work."
Napoleon nodded, "I agree. That's why it's vital to have representatives from each state involved in the decision-making process. This will ensure that the concerns of each region are addressed and that the Kingdom of Germany truly represents the interests of all its constituents. But as for who will decide the foreign policy, military decisions, and economic strategies, those will be determined at the national level. The individual states will have autonomy in their internal affairs, but for matters of national importance, the central government will take precedence. It's like the United States but instead of states, we have German principalities and regions."
Delegate Karl August von Hardenberg replied, "Your comparison to the United States is noteworthy. But the United States was formed on the premise of shared values and a shared history of colonization. The German states have centuries of distinct histories and varying degrees of economic and military power. How do you ensure equitable representation?"
Napoleon responded, "By setting up a bicameral system, perhaps. One house of the legislature could be based on population, benefiting the larger states, while the other could give equal representation to each state, ensuring that even the smaller states have a voice. I have already drafted a constitution to which you can consult. If there is something you'd like to change, discuss it among yourselves. As for you Russiams, as part of what's going to be our treaty, you will recognize the creation of the Kingdom of Germany."
"What would the Kingdom of Germany look like?" Tsar Paul I asked.
Napoleon flickered his finger, signaling a staff that promptly pulled a board in front of the gathering. The board was covered with a curtain, leaving the attendees in suspense. After ensuring it was properly positioned, the staff gave a nod to Napoleon, who then gestured for the cover to be removed.
As the curtain was drawn away, a detailed map was revealed, showing the territories of the proposed Kingdom of Germany and the Kingdom of Poland. The map was intricately designed, highlighting the borders, major cities, rivers, and other geographical features. The delegates leaned forward, studying the map closely. The territory outlined for the Kingdom of Germany closely resembled the 21st-century map of Germany, while the Kingdom of Poland looked very much like its modern-day counterpart.
"This is going to be the future map of Central Europe."
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