Chapter 326 Congress of Versailles Part 2
There was a brief pause in the room as the delegates took a closer look at the map of Central Europe.
A voice broke the silence, "Hold on a moment. Why is Eastern Prussia marked as part of Poland on this map?" The Prussian delegate's Hardenberg was sharp, and his expression mirrored his confusion and concern.
The room grew tense as all eyes turned to Napoleon, awaiting his explanation. The Russian delegate shifted in his seat, sharing a glance with the representative from Austria. It was clear that this detail had caught many off guard.
Napoleon, ever composed, cleared his throat. "The territory adjustments are based on various factors, including strategic military positions, population distributions, and historical claims. Eastern Prussia has a significant Polish population. It only makes sense for it to be under Polish governance."
The Prussian delegate, clearly agitated, responded, "But Eastern Prussia has always been a vital part of our territory."
"Also!" The Austrian Empire representative, Ludwig von Cobenzl, the State Chancellor of the Habsburg Monarchy, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up.
"Why does the new Polish territory encroach upon our current territory in Galicia? We've already made significant concessions in the Treaty of Hofburg, ceding lands to your allies in Bavaria and Italy. How much more is Austria expected to give up?"
Napoleon's eyes met Ludwig's. "Well, rest assured, Chancellor von Cobenzl, that Galicia won't be ceded to the new Polish state without an exchange. The Polish state will purchase it."
"No," Cobenzl shook his head firmly. "There won't be any concession that the Austrian Empire will make."
Napoleon's eyes narrowed. "May I remind you, Chancellor von Cobenzl, that you don't have the power to oppose my decision here? You have taken Galicia from Poland during the partition, and now it's time to rectify that. The Polish people have a right to their land."
Cobenzl retorted, "While history cannot be changed, present agreements and treaties must be respected. The Treaty of Hofburg was clear about the territories Austria would cede. Adding more demands now is not in the spirit of the agreement."
"Then we will make a new agreement," Napoleon simply stated.
"You can't do that," Cobenzl hissed.
"I can, and I will," Napoleon countered.
The Russian delegate interjected, "Napoleon, this new Polish state also incorporated parts of the Russian Empire…."
"It would be part of the peace treaty," Napoleon explained. "You will give up barely anything, Paul."
"But the Prussian Kingdom will lose a lot of territories!" Handerburg protested.
"Look, Handerburg, you shouldn't bother about the territorial changes rather focus on the circumstances at hand, which is Prussia joining the Kingdom of Germany."
"Then what about the infrastructure project that we have built in the territory that would be part of the Polish state? Are we to be compensated?"
Napoleon shook his head. "Look, why are you three so mad about the new territory of this Polish state? Didn't you literally take their territory and incorporate it on your own during the partitions of Poland?"
"I thought we have come here to give Europe peace, but it seems that you are doing quite the opposite," Tsar Paul I responded, clearly frustrated.
Napoleon responded, "Peace requires adjustments. We are rectifying past wrongs. The goal is to have a balanced Europe where nations and their people thrive."
Hardenberg interjected, "But at what cost? You can't just redraw borders and expect stability.
Cobenzl added, "We agreed to the Treaty of Hofburg with specific terms. You can't just change those terms without proper discussion and agreement from all involved parties."
Napoleon replied, "The Treaty of Hofburg was a starting point. Situations change, and we need to adapt. I am not disregarding the treaty; I am suggesting modifications for the greater good."
The Russian delegate said, "The greater good for whom? It seems like the changes benefit France and its allies more than anyone else."
Napoleon sighed, feeling slightly frustrated. It seems like those three can't understand. He contemplated for a moment, thinking of convincing words that would make the three nations accept his plan.
"Okay, let's assume a hypothetical alternate scenario. During the war of the third coalition, we defeated Austria, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Hofburg. The war continued because we were still at war against Prussia and Russia. Let's say France lost in that war. Do you think the treaty would be upheld when her allies emerged victorious? No, it would be nulled and voided. The same principle applies here. The reason why I didn't include Galicia is because it doesn't make sense during that time. I have to defeat Prussia and Russia to realize a Polish state."
The room fell silent for a moment, processing Napoleon's words. Tsar Paul I leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. Hardenberg shifted his gaze to the floor, while Cobenzl stared intently at the map of Central Europe spread out on the table.
After a few moments, Cobenzl broke the silence, "So, you're saying that the current state of affairs and the balance of power justify these territorial changes?"
Napoleon nodded. "Exactly.
Hardenberg sighed, "But the infrastructure, the investments we've made in those territories... How do we account for that?"
"Well, if you are so keen on having those investments returned, we can work out compensation agreements."
Tsar Paul I added, "While I understand your reasoning, Napoleon, it still feels like a significant loss for the Russian Empire. And I'm sure Austria and Prussia feel the same. Especially the Prussians, because they are the ones who will lose a lot."
Cobenzl, still seeming unsatisfied, said, "We will need to discuss this further with our respective governments and come to a mutual agreement. But I must say, your arguments today have given us a lot to think about."
Hardenberg nodded in agreement, "Yes, this is not a decision we can make on the spot. We need to weigh the pros and cons and consult with our leaders."
"No problem," Napoleon waved his hand dismissively. "This Congress of Versailles will end when all our objectives are met. But I hope that we can come to a resolution before New Year. Okay, let's move on to the next agenda. The Kingdom of Italy and the Kingdom of Naples."
Napoleon flicked his fingers and a new board with a map was brought forward. This map detailed the regions of Italy, prominently displaying the territories of the Republic of Italy and the Kingdom of Naples.
Tsar Paul I, looking at the new map, questioned, "And what are the proposed changes here?"
"The Kingdom of Naples will cease to exist and will become part of the Republic of Italy."
"Is the war between France and the Kingdom of Naples not yet concluded?" Cobenzl asked.
"My army, led by General Moreau and Massena are in Sicily as we speak. Fighting the remnants of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies armies. It's only a matter of time before the Neapolitan Kingdom falls," Napoleon answered confidently. "My terms here are simple, you will recognize the territorial changes. Oh, it won't just be Naples and Sicily. Sardinia will also be integrated into the Republic of Italy."
"Well, I have no objection here," Tsar Paul I said.
"The British as well will recognize any territorial changes in Italy," British representative, Viscount Castlereagh, raised his hand in agreement.
And everyone followed.
"Okay that was easy," Napoleon mumbled to himself. "Well, to the last agenda, which would be the Scramble of Africa…"
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