A peaceful century in Europe

1815-1916 – The myth of Europes peaceful century

(1952 – An Evidenzbureau historical Analysis by Maximilian Ronge)

Summary

While it is true that the years between Napoleons final defeat at Romilly-sur-Seine and the outbreak of the Great War did not see a large scale conflict in Europe, Those years nonetheless were not peaceful at all. Not in a global sense and even not in an European sense. But no conflict reached the scale of the Coalition wars or the following Great War. So in hindsight those years may be seen as comparable peaceful.

Phase I - Reaction

The system shaped by the Congress of Vienna lasted no more than 15 years. Those years were marked by the attempt to re-establish absolutism and undo the experiment started by the French revolution. But even as Europe stayed in a state of “peaceful contemplation” the various revolutionary movements in the Ottoman Balkans region especially the finally successful Greek revolution, the Egyptian separate way and the independence of the South American colonies hinted that the age of absolutism was finally over.

Phase II – New revolution

In 1830 France the ghost of revolution rose again and despite the successful conquest of Algiers Charles X had to abdicate and Louis Phillipe accepted the crown with a largely diminished power for the king. Serbia gained de-facto independence and in Poland an insurrection was put down.

It is not clear why the Austrian Emperor Franz I decided to act as he did, but his decision of “revolution from above” reshaped the Austrian monarchy from a conservative state into a liberal Monarchy. Clemens Prince Metternich was replaced by the more liberal Count Franz Anton von Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky as head of government. Archduke Charles of Teschen was nominated as Minister for the reorganisation of the Army. And finally the emperors older son Ferdinand renounced his claims to the throne in favour of his younger brother Franz Karl (Franz II). Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky reduced censorship and allowed the formation of political parties. When Franz I died in 1836 and Franz Karl ascended the Throne as Franz II the Austrian empire got its first constitution. Census suffrage was established (15% of the male population of the age of 25 and above were allowed to vote on a single chamber parliament. The Emperor was not oblieged to sign laws passed by the parliament, but usually did. The government was independent of the parliament. Taxation was a governmental power and did not need parliamental approvement).

When in 1848 the next wave of revolutions swept through Europe Austria was also affected. But Austria faced not a revolution of the people against the various royal governments, but of a revolution of the (Hungarian) nobles against the House of habsburg.

Phase III – Unification wars

While those mainly affected Germany and Italy they had impact on the other European nations too. This phase also marked the further dismantling of the Ottoman Empire (which – in hindsight started immediately after the Coalition wars).

Phase IV – Colonisation Craze

This phase was the longest and lasted from 1870 to 1900. It saw the great powers dividing the world among themselves and also the rise of a few new global powers inside and outside of Europe. The start of this phase is marked by the end of the Unification wars, but actually the ground of the “Colonisation race” was prepared 40 years earlier when France and Austria divided the Barbary states among themselves.

Phase V – Buildup to war

The years between 1890 and 1915 were marked by the forming of the two major sides of the Great War – The Central Powers and the Entente. It was a time when former friends became foes and foes turned into allies. None of the great powers escaped the war. But some were affected more than others.

Chapter I

….

The Empire of 150 days

While the allies were still negotiating in Vienna, Napoleon left Elba and returned to Paris where he immediately started to build a new army. But to his dismay the Allies acted quickly and decisevly. Armies started to converge on France from all directions. Napoleon had to act quickly.

As the Anglo-Dutch army was the nearest Napoleon struck north first. With his best units he marched north towards Brussels. He tasked Nicolas-Jean de Dieu Soult with holding Paris and assembling reserves and replacements in Paris. At Quatre-Bas Michel Ney prevented the Anglo-Dutch and Prussian Armies to link up while at the same time Napoleon himself defeated the Prussians at Ligny. As Marshal Blücher – his horse was killed under him – was caught during the final hours of the battle of Ligny, Napoleon decided to follow the retreating Prussians to defeat them two days later on the 18th near Wavre. In the meantime a token force under Louis Nicolas Davout guarded Napoleon against the Anglo-Dutch army which failed to follow Napoleon immediately but retreated towards Brussels.

A week later the rested French marched towards Brussels where the Anglo-Dutch made their stand. On the 24th the battle of Brussels ended in a draw. On the 25th Napoleon renewed the attack. At noon the battle entered the deciding phase. Napoleon committed both the Old and New guard to an attack on the left flank, while Emmanuel De Grouchys cavalry corps swept around the right flank. Both Guard divisions suffered high losses but the Anglo Dutch left flank – fearing envelopment by the French cavalry retreated. Seeing this retreat Davout, the commander of the French center attacked where the Anglo-Dutch center and left flank joined. Seeing the left going back, the center routed. At 15.00 the Anglo-Dutch army had ceased to be a fighting force.


In the meantime Karl Phillip Schwarzenberg was informed about the Prussians defeat. It Is said that he almost suffered a stroke when he heared that the Anglo Dutch commander (Wellington) had refused to follow Napoleon and instead had retreated to Brussels. His aide later wrote in his memoirs: “Schwarzenberg exclaimed: This fool Wellington had the chance to trap the French and missed it. This man has no trace of initiative. After that Schwarzenberg nearly collapsed and it took the effort of three doctors to save his life. Later in the evening Schwarzenberg called his generals and after three hour of deliberation it was decided to march towards Paris. The Russians were still far away, but Schwarzenberg sent them a note to inform them and asking them for maximum speed. On the 22nd the army crossed the Rhine.”

Schwarzenbergs move forced Napoleon to return south and after a forced march the armies met at Romilly sur Seine. The French army had lost many of its experienced soldiers in the previous battles, but some fresh units were sent from Paris by the minister of war - Soult. Schwarzenberg commanded almost 150.000 soldiers while the French numbered about 75.000. On the 9th of July Napoleons last battle started. The French stood on the defensive and had a slight advantage in guns. But the Coalition army was better rested and outnumbered their counterpart. Schwarzenberg ordered three attacks this day. Casualties mounted, but in the end the French army gave way. On this day the French not only lost the war, but also many of their best generals. Davout and Ney died on the battlefield. Grouchy was wounded and never recovered to full health. He died a year later in Philadelphia. Napoleon himself escaped to Paris. Schwarzenberg surrounded Paris and waited for his Russian allys. When they arrived the siege of Paris started in earnest. Three days later – exactly 150 days after leaving Elba – Napoleon was forced to abdicate by the French parliament after it had gained the support of Soult.

Schwarzenberg demanded the extradition of Napoleon who was sent to Vienna. After much discussion it was decided to return him to Elba, not as a sovereign, but a prisoner. Austria, Prussia and Russia were sending a contingent of guards while the acess to the island was guarded by the Royal Navy.

France was forced to cede minor territory (same as OTL) and pay the sum of a billion Francs (200 million to Austria, Prussia, Russia and England each, 200 on the other members of the coalition – more than OTL).

France got back ist Bourbon king. Europe retreated into an age of Restauration.

1816 – The year without summer

The Volcano Tabora exploded in 1816. A year later temperatures in Europe were significantly lower than normal. This led to bad harvests in Europe. In the long run this sparked a wave of emigration to the US, but also to Russia which was less affected.

A British Dutch fleet bombarded Algiers to force the Dey to abolish Christian slavery. Part of the British fleet was the squadron tasked to patrol the waters around Elba. This led to a minor diplomatic crisis between Austria and Britain. The Austrian Emperor decided to build up a squadron of 4 frigates to be able to2stand in in case the British again neglect their duty”. This squadron was based in the Tuscan town of Piombino. Austria rented a stretch of land for this and built up a small garrison. This citta della Austria was gradually expanded until the whole city was bought by Austria in 1838. In 1848 the city had 5.000 inhabitants of which 2500 were from the Austrian navy.

1817

(Feeling lazy today - nothing changes compared to OTL - If public likes it I kill off Andrew Jackson during an artillery Exchange when he besieges Fort Barrancas in 1818)

The Austrian navy celebrates ist 20th anniversary. The emperor visits the naval station in Piombino.

During his return journey through Tuscany and Lombardo Venetia Franz is approached by several Italian aristocrats. The Italians ask the emperor about his plans for the Habsburg Italian posessions. They suggest to establish an Italian Federation (like the newly established German Federation). This idea is well received by Emperor Franz. Further negotiations with the non Habsburg states of Italy toturn the idea into realiyt were unsucessful. At this time the Habsburg ruled parts of Italy (Lobardo-Venetia as part of the Austrian Empire, the independent Grand duchy of Tuscany and the Duchy ofModena).While Franesco d'Este (Modena) was quite reactionary, the Tuscan Grand Duke Ferdinand III was a more liberal man. Despite the idea of an Italaina federation was unsucessful, The Austrian Emperor increasingly thought of the italian posessions as something not really belinging to the empire, but something that was - while valuable - something Austria could do without. During his reign the Status quo was kept, but under his sucessor the idea of an Italian Federation was revived. What Franz did was adding Istria to the German federation (it was ruled as part of Trieste) and the adding of Dalmatia to the Kingdom of Croatia.

1818

congress of Aix la Chapelle - de facto France is again considered an equal and not a defeated Country. Reparations are reduced to 350 Million Francs. William Carr Viscount Beresford accomanied the Viscount Castlereagh to the congress (A certain Artur Wellesley was sacked in 1815...)

Austria still angry (a bit) on britain becuase of the guarding (or not guarding) of Elba enters secret negotiations with France, represented by the Duc de Richelieu. The aim of this negotiations is to divide the Mediteranian into spheres of interest. Austria a Newcomer into the naval powers and France an old contender have the common interest to contain British interests. The Duc de Richelieu suggests to include Russia into the negotiations - this leads to the later Protocol of Marseilles. where Austria, Russia and France ageree to coordinate any moves "in and around" the Mediterranian in advance. This includes all territories of the Ottoman empire (including Morocco) and in Italy.

If those three cooperate, they can contain the med between them, and keep the British from dominating there. And that will have lots (as in lots) of big effects.

Raunchel said:

If those three cooperate, they can contain the med between them, and keep the British from dominating there. And that will have lots (as in lots) of big effects.

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You will have to wait to see how far the cooperation goes - But with the things I set already into Motion the history as we know it will be changed in many ways.

In the Year of 1819 I want to mention 2 things:

The Carlsbad decrees are severely limiting the liberal "Agenda" in Germany. Also in Germany the Hep-Hep riots are the beginning af antisemitic tendencies.

(OOC: I am not yet decided where this TL should ultimately head - Austria will become more liberal from the 30s on, what about the rest of Germany? - antisemitism, I would be happy to avoid this dark chapter - but how schould I prevent it?)

In 1820 Austria, Russia and Prussia agree to prevent revolutionary changes of government in OTHER countries. This includes Military Intervention. The UK protests and relations within the Holy Alliance further cool.

In Spain and Portugal consututional Monarchies are established. Austria considers to intervene and sends feelers to teh British and French Courts. The British refuse outright while Paris is positively inclined (it is seen as further sign that France is again considered a Great power), but nonetheless declines the "offer" as Spain is seen a quagmire and Portugal is considered to be in the British sphere of influence.

1821

The congress of Laibach sees the further breakup of the Holy Alliance as Britain (and France) are aginst Military Intervention in the Kingdom of the Sicilies. THE Austrians (with the consent of Russia and Prussia) put down the liberal movement in the two Sicilies (King Ferdinand had asked for this).

During the Congress the Greek war of Independence starts. While some participants of the Congress (the Czar/Metternich) view the insurrection to endanger the established System - others are more inclined to see the Greek demands of Independence as justified (Religion matters more than the state).

1822

The Congress of Verona had to deal with 2 things.

First the Greek Revolution - after much discussion it was decided that the Ottoman Empire was not part of the System of the Holy Alliance and that no Intervention was necessary.

The liberal Revolution in Spain was another matter. Austria, Russia and Prussia decide on a French Intervention in Spain. Britain is withdrawing ist support and de facto considers itself no longer as a member of the Holy alliance.

Britain acknowledges the independence of the former Spanish colonies.

The situation in and around Greece, the continuing Barbary pirate threat and the fact that Britian distances itself from the Holy Alliance leads to a small expansion of the Austrian naval forces. Austria hires over the next years a few Spanish naval officers who lost their comission because of their liberal stance. The hiring of spanish officers is also attempt to develop a more Austrian navy. Up to this date the Navy basically was Venetiain under an Austrian Flag.

Nice TL.

Subbed

Richter von Manthofen said:

1822


The situation in and around Greece, the continuing Barbary pirate threat and the fact that Britian distances itself from the Holy Alliance leads to a small expansion of the Austrian naval forces. Austria hires over the next years a few Spanish naval officers who lost their comission because of their liberal stance. The hiring of spanish officers is also attempt to develop a more Austrian navy. Up to this date the Navy basically was Venetiain under an Austrian Flag.

Click to expand...

So they're making their navy worse?

Richter von Manthofen said:

1822
First the Greek Revolution - after much discussion it was decided that the Ottoman Empire was not part of the System of the Holy Alliance and that no Intervention was necessary.

Click to expand...

Hurray! The borders of the Empire do not become hideously ugly in this TL.

Considering the revolutions in France, Germany, Crimea, Potato Famine, Franco-Prussian War, etc. I doubt it was ever truly peaceful.

I'd say WWI was inevitable, given a number of factors, such as rivalries, resentment/revenge (from France to Germany for the 1871 defeat), envy/threats (Germany envying the UK's Empire and the UK feeling threatened from Germany's desire to rival its Royal Navy), etc.

Thanks for encouragement.

A few Points that don't spoil too much - not that I could spoil too much as I really have no idea where this TL leads to...


Deckhand - no not really; Austria never had much of a navy until it got Venice as spoils of war. In ist early days it really was nothing more than the old Venetian navy under Austrian colors. I set into motion some developments for an increased Austrian naval presence. Spanish Officers are a means to establish a non Italian Austrian navy. And I doubt that Spanish officers (especially liberal ones) are really a bad choice

Which leads me to: Napoléon Caesar Augustus - well ist a matter of taste - the Empirses Borders will become longer ITTL - at least for a while Increased naval presence will lead to Austria(Hungary?) taking part in the "Scramble for Africa".

god....freyjones - well peaceful in the sense that all what came afterwards was not peaceful.

1823

Brazilian crisis

in 1821 Joao VI had returned from Brasil with his Family. With him came teh Infante Pedro and his wife. He left his second son Miguel as Vice King in Brasil. Joao and his heir Pedro revoked the liberal constitution of 1821 but promised another. When in 1823 Joao proclaimed this constitution (which was not as liberal as the former, but nonetheless was a workable foundation), conservative elements rebelled. They hoped that teh Holy Alliance and especially France whose army currently helped to defeat the liberals in Spain would help them. But it was the English fleet and army that arrived first and they supported the king. many conservatives fled to Brasil and asked Miguel for protection. Miguel declared Brasil as Independent with himself king. Joao both unable and unwilling to fight and
decided to Ignore this move. Probably he wanted to save Brasil for the Dynasty as he saw the independence movements in South America being more and more sucessful. So better a Braganza ruled Independent Brasil than a Brasilean Republic.

Richter von Manthofen said:

Deckhand - no not really; Austria never had much of a navy until it got Venice as spoils of war. In ist early days it really was nothing more than the old Venetian navy under Austrian colors. I set into motion some developments for an increased Austrian naval presence. Spanish Officers are a means to establish a non Italian Austrian navy. And I doubt that Spanish officers (especially liberal ones) are really a bad choice

Click to expand...

Well maybe politically it is a good choice, but militarily not so much. The post napoleonic Spanish Navy was pretty much garbage, and that started at the officer corps. You might get some decent officers, but most will be incompetent and badly trained. If you are looking for Austria to get a bigger and worse navy, this is the way to go about it.

Bigger navy yes

but I want to get liberals into Austria

and I think that the Austrians will choose the better candidats (the loss of the comonial empire leads to a reduction in navy size and Quality, but that does not automatically meand all officers and Ratings are bad ) - At least some of the officers that were in the navy around 1800 should be good enough) - I am considering a group between 10-20 men, wo act as advisors, not actually sailing/commanding the ships.

1824

Chasles X succeds his brother as King of France. Charles sees himself as king by divine right and not as constitutional ruler.

A few liberal French politicans leave France While some go to America and England most leave for Catholic Italy and Austria where they are watched by agents of Metternich.