In early October of 1840, rumors of war were spreading between Potsdam, Vienna and Paris. The states of Prussia and Austria were vying for control of the smaller Germanic states; and each nation was threatening war. Paris became involved when a threat was thrown against Denmark by the Austrian ambassador to the country. The ambassador had suggested that Austria should control the entire non-island holdings of Denmark. If such an action were taken, Paris would defend her loyal ally. Luckily though, all the bickering between the nations amounted to nothing but a war of words; though it was likely armed conflict would eventually arise over who was dominant in central Europe.
In the midst of the war of words over central Europe, a diplomatic insult arrived from London. In July the foreign minister, Charles Lucien Bonaparte, the nephew of Emperor Napoleon I, had been dispatched to London on a special mission to further a bilateral policy between the two nations. After months of talking and late night dinners, a dispatch had arrived back to Emperor Napoleon II of the frustration and unwillingness of the British to agree to anything with the French state. In late November, Charles Bonaparte returned back to Paris with his once amiable sense of the British forever being ruined.
Frustrated but not defeated, the French foreign ministry increased its diplomatic assault to increase relations with targeted states. If Britain was unable to realize that France was a serious power, then she would have to be brought down a notch. The United States of America and the French Empire further increased their relations by renewing the military alliance. In addition, France conceded all territorial ambitions within the ear shot of the United States. Rumors of war were rampant within the United States; Britain had been unwilling to concede land Americans claimed that belonged to Maine or talks about the Washington Territory.
Secondly, Denmark was targeted for increased relations for numerous reasons. By supporting Denmark, France could claim a valid interest in well being of north central Europe. Control of Copenhagen also allowed great benefits of controlling access to the Baltic, which Russia and Prussia depended on for vital trade to Britain. Possible leverage could be attained against both nations if a state of war were to exist between them and France. Lastly, Denmark was overly hostile towards Britain – memories of the destruction of the fleet at Copenhagen during the Napoleonic Wars still lived strong.
Thirdly, Belgium was targeted. While supported by Britain and France, the nation played a pivotal role. It offered the shortest distance between mainland Europe and Britain. The modest army and navy of the stated also offered benefit to the growing French navy. If the navies of France, Denmark, Portugal and the United States were combined, it was thought that the British Royal Navy would be severely stretched to the limit, leaving the vital trade of the nation open to target and even a possible invasion of the Home Islands. But for now, France played a game, just waiting for the next chance to flex its military muscle.