Riddle me this, dear readers: When is a treaty not a treaty?
When it's made with a narcissist. This week's post takes a closer look at The Treaty of Fontainebleau signed in April 1814, which was the final negotiation point between the Allied coalition forces of Europe, and France. The Allies demanded Napoleon's abdication before they'd agree to withdraw their troops from France and, well, our little autocrat did not like to go quietly. Is anyone surprised?
Before we get to the juicy details, let’s rewind a bit. By 1814, Napoleon had made more enemies than a reality show contestant.
The one where everyone gangs up on Napoleon
The War of the Sixth Coalition (1812–1814) saw a massive tag team of nations - including Austria, Prussia, Russia, the UK, Sweden, and a bunch of German states - team up to show Napoleon the door. While some of them were storming through Germany, the UK, Spain, and Portugal were having their own French invasion party through the Pyrenees. It was like a continental game of whack-a-mole, with Napoleon as the mole.
Fast forward to March 31, 1814: the Allies march into Paris, take over, and make it clear that they're done playing nice with Napoleon and are ready to negotiate with the French people - just not with their emperor.
While the Allies were talking to the French diplomats in Paris, Napoleon was sulking at his crib in Fontainebleau. When he heard the news on April 3 that the Senate had officially given him the boot, he tried a classic “Let’s see if they’ll let me down easy” move. He offered to step down - but only if his son could take over (you know, keeping it all in the family - again I have to ask if any of this sounds familiar at all?)
That's right - he actually offered a partial abdication in exchange for a peaceful transfer of power (some autocrats it seems, are better at this than others).
That's a 'No' on the 'trust me bro'
"but Napoleon remains – there is the difficulty. In vain will he promise to remain quiet in the retreat which will be assigned to him. You know even better than I his devouring activity, his ambition. Some fine morning he will put himself at the head of the regency, or in its place: then the war will recommence, and all Europe will be on fire. The very dread of such an occurrence will oblige the Allies to keep their armies on foot, and thus frustrate all their intentions in making peace." Tsar Alexander I of Russia
I think the Tsar had the (former) French emperor's measure, don't you? He was also known as 'the Blessed' by the Russian people.
How to politely fire an emperor
Realising that his plan wasn’t going to fly and with no military options left, Napoleon finally gave in.
On April 6, he officially renounced his claim to the throne for himself and his heirs. With that, his glory days were officially over, and the Allies started working out the nitty-gritty of the Treaty of Fontainebleau.
The Treaty of Fontainebleau (first fail)
The treaty had 21 articles, but let’s get to the fun stuff. The main points were:
Bye-Bye, Empire: Napoleon lost his title as the Emperor of France, but in a weird twist, he and Marie-Louise got to keep the fancy titles of Emperor and Empress - just with nothing to rule over. It’s like getting to keep your “Manager of the Year” mug after being demoted.
Hello, Elba: Napoleon got his very own tiny kingdom - the island of Elba. It’s like getting sent to the smallest office cubicle on the farthest floor. He got to be the boss of Elba, complete with a sovereign flag and recognition from all the big powers. But the catch? Only France could do anything with the island. Talk about limited power!
Marie-Louise’s new real estate: Napoleon’s wife, Marie-Louise, didn’t leave empty-handed. She got the Duchies of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla. And as a little bonus, any male descendant of hers would get the shiny title of “Prince of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla.”
Family Drama: Napoleon’s family was banned from ever claiming power in France again. Sorry, Napoleons Jr., III, and IV - you’re out. (Now, there's an idea, and not just for New York...)
Poor Josephine: Her allowance was slashed to a mere 1,000,000 francs a year. Just as well she has that book deal (sorry - couldn't help myself).
The British were not amused
Famously missing from the signatories to this first treaty with the ex-emperor are the British. No, they weren't trying to do a Brexit one hundred years early - they really, really, really didn't trust the blighter.
They weren't keen on a wannabe emperor ruling his own fancy island just a stone’s throw from France and Italy. They were worried he’d be back in the game before they could even update their maps. So, the UK refused to sign the treaty, saying that recognising Napoleon as a legitimate ruler was a no-go. They didn’t trust the guy, even in exile.
In the end, Napoleon signed the treaty on April 13, 1814, and off he went to Elba, supposedly to lie low, but as history will show, Napoleon wasn’t quite done yet. But that’s next week's story...
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