Chapter 332 Treaty of Versailles
December 14th, 1804.
A week had elapsed since the inauguration of the Congress of Versailles. The grand halls of the palace were witnesses to fervent discussions among the Grand Duchies and Kingdoms of Germany. They sparred verbally, each attempting to assert their interpretation of rights, liberty, and freedom for the forthcoming German state. Napoleon, the mediator, deftly navigated these turbulent waters, ensuring a resolution that paved the way for the creation of the Kingdom of Germany.
On December 10th, the Kingdom of Naples succumbed to the superior forces of the French Army, culminating in the signing of the Treaty of Palermo. King Ferdinand of Naples formally abdicated his throne under the terms of the treaty, leading to the annexation of his territories by the Republic of Italy. This significant political shift marked the unification of the Italian Peninsula. In a parallel development, the Papal States were also incorporated into the Republic of Italy, an annexation that occurred without resistance, further consolidating the Italian territories into a single unified entity.
Yet, there remained an unsettled matter – an issue that needed resolution to conclude the Congress.
Afternoon, Halls of Mirrors, Palace of Versailles. Delegates from participating nations gathered again for a discussion.
"The Austrian Empire would want to recognize the creation of the Polish state and the new Kingdom of Germany in exchange for the land of Illyrian provinces, Istria, and Dalmatia to be returned to the Austrian Empire. That is the telegraph message we received from Vienna. Your Majesty Napoleon, you must be aware of the treaties that both of our countries signed in Hofburg. They are harsh. Giving more lands would lead to a revolt, we don't want that to happen."
"That we cannot give," Napoleon said. Our proposal is final, Austria will be paid in exchange for Galicia. Should there be a revolt, the nation's army must be called upon and deal with it," he concluded coldly.
"So you are not willing to compromise, Your Majesty?" Cobenzl, the Austrian delegate, asked with a firm but respectful tone. His face was etched with disappointment and a dash of frustration. The room, filled with other delegates from different countries, seemed to hold its collective breath, waiting for Napoleon's response.
Napoleon nodded, giving no space for further argument.
"If that's the case, Austria would find itself hard to accept the terms we are not even obliged to accept—"
"Prince Cobenzl," Tsar Paul I interjected. "I think it's best that you accept Napoleon's terms. It's a land that you have taken from Poland to begin with. I don't want this Congress to be prolonged because of this…"
While Tsar Paul I of Russia was speaking to Cobenzl, Minister of Foreign Affairs Talleyrand leaned forward and whispered into Napoleon's ears.
"Your Majesty, I think this would be settled quickly if we were to return the territories Austria requested. That way this Congress would end quickly before Christmas."
"Talleyrand," Napoleon whispered back. "Didn't you hear what I said earlier? There won't be any returns of territory. We have earned those territories so we will keep them." Napoleon's voice was firm and left no room for discussion.
Talleyrand nodded, though not completely in agreement, but he knew better than to push the issue further. The diplomatic negotiations were a dance, one that required both assertiveness and the ability to adapt, but Napoleon had made his position clear.
Napoleon cleared his throat. "Prince Cobenzl, I must remind you that you are the only nation in this Congress that hasn't given their approval to the aforementioned terms. The grand duchies and kingdoms within the former Holy Roman Empire have agreed to form a new unified state of Germany. Russia, Spain, Italy, and Great Britain have acknowledged it, and also the creation of the Polish state. If you continue to walk on this path, the Empire of France will have no choice but to resort to drastic measures to get what we want."
"And here I thought we were here to settle things diplomatically, and now you are threatening us again with a war?" Cobenzl scoffed softly.
"You are correct, we are here to settle things diplomatically but you are not cooperating, Prince Cobenzl," Napoleon retorted, his voice steady yet stern.
"The Austrian council and the Emperor can't accept that the Empire will be landlocked and be stripped of more lands. It's too much!" Cobenzl responded, his voice raised with emotion but still maintaining decorum.
He looked around, looking for support, but no one met his gaze. The room was silent, every delegate attentive but none daring to intercede.
"Prince Cobenzl," Napoleon's voice cut through the silence. "Your objections are noted, but the collective decision of this Congress cannot be held hostage by the unwillingness of one nation to accede. The territorial concessions are non-negotiable. Austria must look beyond immediate losses and envisage the larger, collective gains that peace and stability in the region would ensure."
Cobenzl felt the isolation, the weight of the room against him. Tsar Paul's interjection still lingered, and the absence of support from the other delegates made it evident that Austria stood alone in its resistance.
The Austrian delegate took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with the burden of the moment. He was a seasoned diplomat, adept at navigating the intricate dance of international relations. Yet, this moment, the decision he was compelled to make, bore implications not just for him but for the Austrian Empire.
His eyes met Napoleon's, a mix of defiance and resignation in his gaze.
"Your Majesty. The Austrian Empire does not make this concession lightly. We concede, not out of agreement, but out of recognition of the broader geopolitical imperatives and the collective will of the nations present."
A murmur went through the hall. The final piece of the diplomatic puzzle had fallen into place. The negotiations, marked by fervent discussions, diplomatic maneuvering, and the relentless assertion of national interests, had culminated in this moment of grudging consensus.
Napoleon nodded, a gesture of acknowledgment rather than triumph.
"The Congress of Versailles has thus reached a consensus. The creation of the Kingdom of Germany and the Polish state, the annexation of the Kingdom of Naples and the Papal States by the Republic of Italy is recognized, and the territorial concessions are agreed upon. As for the Scramble of Africa, the nations who have participated would have their territories also recognized. Gentlemen, the only thing that is left for us is the signing of the treaty."
With that, Napoleon's staff handed each participating nation a copy of a document outlining the terms of the treaty called the Treaty of Versailles.
The delegates read through the document. The terms were clear, concise, and devoid of ambiguity. Each nation's stakes, gains, and concessions were laid bare.
"Let us sign the treaty and make it official," Napoleon instructed.
One by one, the representatives of each nation stepped forward to affix their signatures to the document.
Prince Cobenzl was the last to sign. There was still hesitation in his face but Napoleon gently urged to sign the treaty.
Giving in, Prince Cobenzl signed the treaty. With the stroke of his pen, the last resistance melted away, and the Treaty of Versailles was complete. Every nation involved had committed to the outlined terms.
Napoleon smiled in triumph. At last, his vision for Europe is now fulfilled.
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