A Napoleon Victorious Scenario

[Elias Tarfarius]

Napoleon's Euorpe

1824-1835
Peace is made with the Turks in 1824. France forces the Sultan to recognize the independence of Serbia, Rumania, Bulgaria, and Macedonia in this treaty in addition to that of Greece. War with Britain continues until Napoleon's death early in 1835, while a cold war arms race with Russia ensues. Neither side is willing to start a new war, remembering the 1812 war and its huge cost to both sides.

The State of the Great Powers in 1835

France
When Napoleon I dies in 1835, the new Emperor Napoleon II is left to decide many things. Will the Empire continue to fruitlessly fight Great Britain? Many victories have been won and the Imperial navy is at its peak, with many able commanders (Jerome, Knig of Westphilia among them) and the numerical (and technological) parity with the English. Yet this has won the Empire nothing except that it props up the cadaver that is the Continental System (Napoleon could not force it on Russia or Sweden without declaring war and thus again streching Imperial resorces. Also, the Emperor allowed the privlage of trade with the British to Joseph, who was not offically at war with Britain), and other family and cronies. In the early 1820's the Continetal System embargo was extended to Turkey, Egypt, and the other North African states (This, like the British embargo, was to be circumvented by many). Would there be reform of the Empire? Napoleon I had ruled like a Czar, but many in France now longed for a return to a more republican system. Bonapartists were just as ardent that there be no change lest the Royalists use any weakness to bring back the Bourbons. What should be done about Russia? Despite his constant training since childhood, Napoleon II knew he was not that good of a general. How could he try to invade Russia if even his father, the God of War, had failed. There alot of discontented people in the Czar's lands, maybe they could be "helped". France had come along way in industrization, second only to the British (US comes in third). The nations in the Continental System are willing to put up with it because their luxury needs are mostly supplied by France now. The majority of people are liberal, but the twin evils of socialism and conservatism are on the rise. Also, the majority of people are pro-military but the long naval war with England has driven the number of people opposed to any war at all.

Great Britain
Now freed from the duty of protecting the balance of power in Europe, Britain has focused on two main objectives:
1. Expanding British trade and colonization across the globe.
2. Preventing Napoleon and his family from expanding their possesions beyond Europe, especially in the Western Hemisphere (which is reinforced by the 1823 Monroe Doctrine directed at France, Spain, and Russia). The British, no matter what class, have become accostomed to war. The Royal Navy is in great shape, especially since the reforms following the 3rd Battle of the Nile. The government in London, no matter which party is in power, is now taking care to pay attention to Ireland since an Imperial Army could land there any day. Some land problems have been solved but the usual solution to most Irish problems has been to send more troops. By 1835, there are 150,000 troops stationed in Ireland in case of invasion or rebellion (or both). Liberal are in the majority, with Conservatives in the 40's%, and the Socialists just polling in with about 10%

Austria
The once mighty Empire, which had been thrice beaten by the Eagle, now turned inward. Vienna could finally feel safe since the new Emperor was half Hapburg, but both Italy and Bohemia were still lost to them. There was Hungary and Napoleon had given the title of Mediator of the Balkans to the Austrian Emperor since that was more properly his role. Vienna would have to be content with this, lest she have all Europe destroy her... unless... perhaps the Czar could be persaded to invade. Conservatives ruled the roost in Vienna and the country was lagging behind in industrialization.

Russia
The Czars, first Alexander and then Nicholas, had been rebuilding the Russian military since 1813. They had been again destroyed by Napoleon and so the Czars and the Russian high command decided that as along as Napoleon as alive, no hostile action would be taken again the Empire or its vassals. During the short war with the Turks in the 20's, lands in the Trans Caucasus had been annexed and interventions in Persia an colonial war in Central Asia had been the main exploits. There were more problems within Russia that prevented war on the Empire. Poles who wanted to join the Duchy of Warsaw rose, Finns who wanted their own state rose, Ukrainians rose, Muslims in the East rose, and most worrying of all, Russians in the army rose in Moscow in 1825 during the confusion over who was the new Czar. These soliders wanted Constantine, the more liberal of the heirs, to be the new Czar. They were crushed but the ideas remained even while Nicholas and the Conseratives tried to repress these "French" ideas. Austria now has sent secret envoys saying it is time to liberate Europe. Will Nicholas listen to this cry for help or will he turn his gaze south toward the lands of Islam, Turkey and Persia, even toward the riches of India. Perhaps the French and their navy could be of use to the Czar of all the Russians.

The United States
Even in the wake of its victory in the War or 1812, US and Great Britain have become virtual allies against the Eagle, except that the Americans have stood by the Washingtonian policy of no entangling alliances. Britain now respected the right of American ships to trade with whomever they wish and helped back up American claim made by President Monroe in 1823 to protect the Western Hemisphere from further colonization or recolonization. While Napoleon's hold over Europe is worrisome, the status of Mexico (and most importantly Texas), westward expansion, industrialization, and the troublesome slavery question hold the attention of the American public much more. With the death of Napoleon, who can tell what policy France may now take. All America can hope is that it is one that does not interfere with her ambitions.

The Ottoman Empire
The embarassments of the early 1820's shake the Empire to its foundations. How could all of European Turkey be lost so fast and why? What went wrong? Coming off his victory over Napoleon, Mehemet Ali invades Syria in 1826 and the Sultan is powerless to stop it. The British pour in aid and start to train the army and navy, giving them the latest techs so that the Turks aren't easy prey for the French, the Russians, the Egyptians, or the Persians. While peace is made with Ali, recognizing his rule over Syria as he pledges loyalty to the Sultan, a great revolt is crushed in Mesopotamia. By 1835, liberals and others who support Western ideas have taken over the court. The people are very pro-military, wanting vengeance for past humiliations. The Sultan has a defensive alliance with Britain but is also patching up relations with the Empire of the French in the wake of Napoleon's death.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Napoleon's Euorpe

The State of Lesser Powers and Regions in 1835

Spain and the Duchy of Portugal
The kingdom and its duchy had lost their American empires but were still power to be reconked with. After 1820, Joseph's enlightened rule came into full bloom, much to the anger of the clergy and old aristcracy. Joseph was supported by the new bourgoise and the military and so the conservaties did not stand a chance. The king also kept the nation out of the Imperial war against Britain, winning the right to open his Atlantic ports to English ships. By 1835, though lagging behind in industry, Spain was making more money than ever before via trade and innovativeness soaked the Spanish society. Only the clergy still held firm against Joseph and he felt he could afford to offend them if the price was improving Spain. As to what all this improvement was leading to, that was another matter.

The Confederation of the Rhine
The Princes of the Confederation had been forced by their young liberal POP . Most of the Princes were grateful to the French, although somewhat bitter about the losses in the 1812 war on Russia. By 1835, the richer of the Princes were just starting to think about instrializing their small nations.

The Duchy of Warsaw
Poland lived once more and for that the people would be forever grateful, but other wise, little help came from France. Poland had to rebuild it economy on its own, but the return of East Prussia in 1814 did much to help the nation. By 1835, Poland had a small army, but a growing industrial base in East Prussia and Southern Poland. Liberals ran things in the Sejm but the nation remain as adrently Catholic as ever.

Latin America
Mexico - Not an empire anymore and has broken off its vassalship to Spain. A new constitution has been installed and the army waits under a certain Santa Ana in Veracruz just in case the French or the Spanish plan to punish their wayward subject.
Brazil - Enjoying independence with as an empire with the former Portugese royal family as rulers. By 1835, Brazil is still the world's biggest sugar, but is only just thinking about industrial development.
Gran Colombia - Though free is still closely tied to Spain. Conservatives hold power but by 1835, the threat of a liberal or socialist revolution is very real.
Peru-
Chile-
Argentina-

China Japan and Southeast Asia
Since the beginning of the Anglo-French War in 1822, this region has been a heated battle ground. When Napoleon realized in 1823 that he would not be able to conquer Egypt, and therefore the East, and therefore India, he decided that France must have a foothold in the Far East. Already during the War of the 1st Coalition, Britain had captured every French and Dutch colonies it could find in the East. Napoleon would now have to retake these. In 1830, during a lull in the war, the Armee de Indie set out to do that under the command of Marshals Lannes and Murat. Serveral of the French claimed islands were garrisoned and the Kingdom of Hawaii was paid a visit. The old Indonesian colonies were reconquered in 1831 and soon the British were soon preparing for an invasion of India itself. But the French were looking elsewhere, into Indochina and China. In 1831, both Japan and China reopened trade with the French (especially since the fleet and army were at their doors). The Ching rulers of China also really welcomed the French as a counterbalance to the insidious British and their horrid opium trade. The Ching sent envoys to Paris, neogoticated access, and were even considering an alliance. In Japan, the French were less warmly recieved as they were breaking the "splendid" isolation which the Tokugawa Shoguns had imposed 200 years prior. They now knew that they would have no choice but to modernize or else be prey to the British or French. The poor kingdoms of SE Aisa, on the other hand, had nowhere to turn. They all to fear that they would be soon swallowed up by either Britain, France, or a rejevinated China.

Africa
Portugal's African Empire remains strong, but all the colonies of France and the Netherlands were annexed by the Brits long age. Before his death, Napoleon was making plans for a conquest of North Africa (yes again!). Perhaps these will be fulfilled by his son. There is also alot of Africa to be explored and claimed.

 

[Ichabod]

Pretty good, though a couple things:

-with loyalists and still the Canadian garrison, I doubt American would have been able to occupy Canada, may get it demilistarized by the British, but not capture.

-I am not sure how big a defeat you want the British to suffer after 1812, but I think, particularly if Spain retakes Gibralter and maybe Malta, a French capture of Egypt would be very likely, though I doubt they would be able to make into India.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Empire 1835

The main alterations to the map would be that there's no Prussia (East Prussia is returned to the Poles and the rest is broken up and joins the Rhine Confederation), all the Balkan states exist at game (as French satillites or vassals with a Russian gurantee on independence), Egypt (including Syria) is independent but in alliance with the Turks and Britain. The French have the Dutch East Indies back in their hands thanks to Lannes and Murat.

Events at the Beginning of the Scenario - 1835

The first and most critical event will be the Death of Napoleon and the accession of the Eaglet (who grew up into a youthful prince instead of dying of tb in Austrian custody).

The Death of Napoleon late Jan. or Feb 1835 - for the great powers

Even the greatest men in history are still men, so it is with the man who von Clasewitz called the "God of War". The Eagle fell victim to the rich lifestyle he had fallen into since "peace" came in the 20's. While remaining a devoted husband and father, he continued to grow fatter by the year, less and less fit for the affairs of state. In 1832, he had heart attack but survived it. The King of Rome was made regent to prepare him for power as the elder Napoleon withdrew more and more to his study to plan an invasion of North Africa and perhaps another of England. It was there the man that shook the world was found dead by his servants one cold morn in 1835.

France - a)The Emperor is dead! Long Live the Emperor! - Napoleon II comes to power, prestige gained. b) Vive la Republique! - Overthrow the Bonapartes and bring back the Republic, major stability hit, some prestige lost, revolts.
The option you choose would be the trigger for which set of events France and some of the other countries get afterward.

Russia - a) The villian is dead! Time for revenge. - Russia allies with Austria and declares war on the Empire. b) We have bigger fish to fry!

Austria - a) To arms for the Emperor - declare war on the French even without Russian aid. b) Wait for the Czar. - wait for Russia to choose a in the event above. c) Support the Eaglet, he is a Hapsburg! - Relations improve between France and Austria along with a closer alliance.

Britain - a) Make peace with the Eaglet. - Sign peace with France, ceding claim to the Dutch East Indies. b) Bleed the frogs dry - continue with the status quo. c) Form the 4th Coalition - draw Austria and Russia into an alliance with you against the Empire.

US - a) Patch up things with France - get back to excellent relations. b) I don't care about Europe! - do nothing. c) Fulfill the Doctrine! - lay claim to all French possesions in the Americas.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

response

-with loyalists and still the Canadian garrison, I doubt American would have been able to occupy Canada, may get it demilistarized by the British, but not capture.

You have a point there, but how would the people making the Treaty of Ghent know that. They would know that Americans had successfully invaded Canada and beaten British regulars (not mentioning militia and Indians). They would therefore perhaps be more willing to cede Upper Canada. Maybe the Upper Canadians could cause some trouble at the beginning of the scenario.

-I am not sure how big a defeat you want the British to suffer after 1812, but I think, particularly if Spain retakes Gibralter and maybe Malta, a French capture of Egypt would be very likely, though I doubt they would be able to make into India.

The French conquest of Egypt might have been possible (except it would be a 19th century version of whats happening in Iraq currently) but thats where Mehemet Ali comes in. I think that Mehemet Ali (pasha of Egypt, the great modernizer, destroyed the Mamlukes 1811) would have been one of those exceptional few that could beat Napoleon. Napoleon, being all the wiser from his first Egyptian campiagn and the Russian tragedy, would decide to leave it for another day.

As to the naval situation, the French would have the upper hand in the Med (perhaps because of a capture of Gilbralter) while on the seven seas, it would be more of a see-saw balance.

BTW - I don't have the game yet, but I'll try to get it over Thanksgiving Break (I just got Civ3Conquest! Oh well! somethimes you can't choose, you gotta have your cake and eat it too). I am not extremely good at making scenarios but I'll try once I get the game and write up more events. Still, I welcome ANYONE that is better at scenario making to help this project out. I would prefer to just stick to writing events .

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Imperial Sucession and Events

This post will be added to as the ideas for everything become more clear.

Napoleon II (r. 1835-37)

Here's some info on the Eaglet - 1811-32, son of Napoleon I and Marie Louise , known as the king of Rome (1811-14), as the prince of Parma (1814-18), and after that as the duke of Reichstadt. Napoleon's abdication in 1815 was in favor of his son, so that he was known to the Bonapartists as Napoleon II, although he never ruled. After 1815 he was a virtual prisoner in Austria, where he died of tuberculosis. In 1940 his remains were transferred, as a gift to France from Adolf Hitler, from Vienna to the dome of the Invalides in Paris, where he now rests beside his father. The pitiful life of the “Eaglet” is the subject of Edmond Rostand's drama L'Aiglon. His education was confided chiefly to Count Dietrichstein, who found him precocious, volatile, passionate and fond of military affairs. The same judgment was given by Marshal Marmont, duke of Ragusa, who recognized the warlike strain in his character (well big surprise!). His nature was sensitive, as appeared on his receiving the news of the death of his father in 1821. By this time, too, the dukes health was on the decline; his impatience of all restraint and his indulgence in physical exercise far beyond his powers aggravated a natural weakness of the chest, and he died on the 22nd of July 1832.

The Death of Napoleon I
a) Long Live Napoleon! - Napoleon II becomes emperor, recieve prestige and Napoleon II as a commander.

if the French player pick a

Warming Franco-Austrian Relations
a) We welcome our Imperial cousins with kisses! - Adriactic provinces are returned, excellent relations, alliance (perhaps defensive and not including if Russia attacks).
b) Just make sure Grandpa is loyal to the Empire. - execellent relations, alliance (of some sort)
c) We have bigger fish to fry. - do nothing

Claim the Hapsburg Throne
On March 2, 1835 Francis dies and his metally challenged son Ferdinand is heir.
a) Yes, take what is yours by blood! - Austria is made puppeted vassal (austria response could spark revolts all over the empire , especially Hungary), Relations with Britain (get temp CB), Russia (get CB), Turkey (get CB), Sweden, and US go in the crapper, prestige rises (ruling two empires is impressive).
b) We will just wait for "Ferdy the Dotty" to kick it.
c) Let our cousins keep their "empire".

Peace with Great Britain
a) Let us pledge eternal peace with the British nation. - Give Carribean islands to Britain, return Dutch East Indies and all claims in Asia, etc (more can be added later).
b) A Simple Truce with the nation of shopkeepers. - white peace.
c) We will not rest till the tricolor flies on the Tower!!! - continue with the war.

The Invasion of North Africa

The English Enterprise (depends on if you pick c for the Peace with Great Britain event)

The Russian Question
Czar Nicholas has been intriging with the Austrians, the Bourbons, and former Prussian officers to begin a war against the empire. He has yet to declare war or to mobilize, but we must be ready to strike, no?
a) Mobilize and ready the Grand Armee for vengeance's sake! - Declare war on Russia, etc
b) Just mobilize.
c) Let them come!

Prussia shall rise again! (depends on if you pick a for The Russian Question event)

The Death of Napoleon II
a) Joseph, King of Spain, shall rule the Empire of the French.
b) Vive la Republique! - Overthrow the Bonapartes and bring back the Republic, major stability hit, prestige lost, revolts and triggers invasion by Spain and other loyal Bonaparte regimes.
c) The Bourbons wish to have their crowns back!!!

Joseph I (r. 1837-44)

Louis I (r. 1844-46)

Napoleon III (r. 1846-?)
I figure this fine fellow will be the downfall of the dynasty. I just have a hunch.

 

[Faeelin]

Surely the British would have te naval capacity to support latin america and keep it and egypt out of the ogre's grip?

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

I think the Spanish could hold on to Columbia (as a vassal or satilite) and as to Egypt, it will stay free of French domination unless the new invasion of Notrh Africa works.

By this time (1836), the British and French navies will have reach parity in most things (as they did in the 1860's in real history). The British will be able to protect South America but the Med. would become a French lake by the beginning of the scenario.

 

[forezjohn]

defend "le grand homme petit"(V. Hugo)

Some said in this forum that NapoleonI was megalomaniac and wanted to spread all over europe, instead of making peace.
Firstly he was as megalomaniac as a great leader of a state a person who doesn't want its country to be the best and who doesn't work for its grandeur won't be a good leader for its country.
Secondly the spreading all over europe was only the strategy of Napoleon to force the english to make the peace he wanted. I think the important point here is that there was a vandetta between France and England. The english always tried create a status quo in continental europe to avoid the rising of a rival so that they were free to do what they wanted in the other part of the world. There was also an ideological fight the revolution ideas where fought by the english considering it was a danger for the european balance of power. So I'm not sure they would have left the republique or the empire if they looked like possible alternative to monarchy. The Bourbons were less efficients and more controlable than the two i'm writing about in the previous phrase.
Napoleon was deeply reforming France to make it economically and industrialy as powerfull as England(and even more powerfull if possible). And I think he would have done that if the english didn't finance the other coalition countries...

 

[Faeelin]

Napoleon's Empire was hardly revolutionary, what with an arbitrary system of nobility to give the marshals money.

 

[Ichabod]

His empire was more like the classical empires than anything else (take that either way).

 

[forezjohn]

The empire was a try to fusion revolution's republic and monarchy.
N. partially did that to show the other european he was their equal. Of course it was a tyrany! was there anything else in europe at this time?

 

[Faeelin]

Originally posted by forezjohn
The empire was a try to fusion revolution's republic and monarchy.
N. partially did that to show the other european he was their equal. Of course it was a tyrany! was there anything else in europe at this time?

The British system of checks and balances, where one man couldn't send 500,000 people to die in Russia?

 

[unmerged(10168)]

So are you doing this?

I was thinking of an EU Napoleon game but was turned off by the size of the undertaking and the sheer size of the undertaking but perhaps Vicky may be just the game to capture Napoleon's wars (unless of course Paradox is doing it right now!! Who knows!!) - but if ever you chaps do it I got plenty of info including stuff on military leaders and their locations and personalities including some of the lesser known leaders though mostly for the British side.

Richmond

 

[unmerged(10168)]

Tech tree

I'm thinking with the technology format of Vicky it would be a good idea to make techs difficult, expensive and time consuming to develop and you would not need to develop them all, forcing the player to focus on particular areas of study which would then emerge as the national character of various units - for instance the British navy 'ruled the waves' but the British army was thought of as 'the scum of the earth' - there would be the 'reverse slope tactics' and 'steadiness' researched but at the cost of not researching proper cavalry tactics so the British cavalry would 'gallop at anything'. Likewise Dragoons could be developed into multipurpose heavy cavalry or return to their mounted infantry type role as Napoleon tried to do.

Richmond

 

[Faeelin]

Hmm.

Okay, what would the 1835 nations be?

The Westfalen republic: The state of Westfalen. It's a democratic state that revolted against Jerome when Napoleon died in 1830.

France: Includes Belgium and part of the kingdom of the netherlands, along with the rhine provinces.

Britain: Still supreme along the waves. Latin America is largely its satellite states.

Prussia: Weak, never fully recovered. Possibly a Russian satellite.

Austria: Possible expansion in the Balkans?

French Satellites:

Kingdom of Italy. I might actually propose out and out annexation as part of France, given its total lack of foreign policy or independence. That would require giving France north-italian as a culture.

Spain: Probably, I think. It would probably have lost northern spain as an annexation to France.

Poland: Probably independent, but russia should fight it soon.

 

[Ichabod]

What timeline are you talking about? I think we had 3 a few months ago or whenever, and now one more curtousy of Elias.

I doubt in whatever timeline, taht Russia would be too happy about an Austria Balkans

 

[forezjohn]

Originally posted by Faeelin
The British system of checks and balances, where one man couldn't send 500,000 people to die in Russia?

Well I suppose you're right but this system didn't help any other "democratic try" on the continent( at this time). I'd say it's the opposit with the french revolution...
You know "democraty is good for us but not the others..."

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Originally posted by Faeelin
The British system of checks and balances, where one man couldn't send 500,000 people to die in Russia?

Well, the Brits sent 942,135 to die in Flanders' Fields a century later.

OK, that was British military dead total in WWI, but I'd be willing to bet over 500,000 got it on the Western Front.

I agree with you that Britain was not a tyranny comparable to the typical continental power in the Napoleonic age, but military matters and affairs of state are not really the measure. Then again, IIRC Britain had a ways to go yet in 1815 towards liberalization of its legal system (so one didn't get transported for petty theft, for example).

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Re: The Imperial Sucession and Events

Originally posted by Elias Tarfarius
By this time, too, the dukes health was on the decline; his impatience of all restraint and his indulgence in physical exercise far beyond his powers aggravated a natural weakness of the chest, and he died on the 22nd of July 1832.

I'm not really a conspiracy-theory type, but that sort of "coincidence" smells funny. I'd be willing to accept (for purposes of an alternate history mod) that both Nappy I & Nappy II were poisoned by 18th Century "double-naught spies".