Within the capital of Constantine, Algeria, a delegation of French diplomats met with their Islamic counterparts to discuss the recent concessions Napoleon II sought from the backward country. It was highly unlikely that Algeria would cave into demands to hand over the Setif region and the drums of war were growing ever louder. France had been prepared for such a possibility, as over fifty thousand troops had been amassed in French Algeria for a possible campaign. On August 2nd, the campaign would become a reality, as Algeria flatly refused a peaceful handover of the Setif region.
On August 5th, the Corps de Anthonie, led by Marshal Pierre Anthoine marched into Constantine and was prepared for a protracted siege. What followed was an elongated battle that played minimal affect on causalities of Anthonie’s corps. By August 15th, the walls of Constantine were stormed and the French flag was raised over the capital. The looting and destruction that was so prevalent in the invasion of Algeria in 1830, was nowhere to be found. Harsh penalties were in place in case any soldier felt the urge to get out of line.
Immediately after the fall of Constantine, representatives from Algeria requested a peace treaty returning to the status quo. However, France’s position was quite clear; the Setif region would have to be handed over to French control to ensure the continued protection and existence of the people of the land. Discussions were futile, as neither side was willing to back down, so the occupation of Algeria by the military continued to proceed, relatively unhindered by an organized resistance.
Meanwhile in Paris, Emperor Napoleon II was playing host to King Charles Albert of Sardinia-Piedmont; who had served as a lieutenant in the dragons of the First French Empire. The main purpose of the royal visit, the first in the reign of Emperor Napoleon II, was for the signing of a declaration of understanding between France and Sardinia-Piedmont. A military alliance would be brokered which unbeknownst to the public called for French aid in case a war broke out with Austria. Although a large part of loyalty remained towards the land of his grandfather, the former prince understood that Austria was an obstacle in the way of France’s return to glory.
France and Sardinia-Piedmont sign a military agreement on September 16th, 1836.
In the latter parts of 1836, as the year was winding down three impressive feats were announced to the public. Firstly, the railroad construction which at this point was funded entirely by capitalists would receive government funding to complete the project throughout the continental Empire. Secondly, on December 25th Algeria agreed to peace terms, ceding the Setif region. Thirdly, rumors were spreading that Empress Sophie was pregnant with a third child.