Napoleonic Wars Chair: Sarah Dinovelli

Napoleonic Wars PMUNC 2015

Contents

Chair’s Letter………………………………………………………...…..4

Historical Overview ………………………..……………..……………..6

Origins of the Napoleonic Wars………………………………………….…...... 6 War of the First Coalition………….…………….………………………..…....…..7 War of the Second Coalition ....……………………………..…………...…...... …7 War of the Third Coalition……………………………………………………....….7 The Rise of …………………………...…………………...... …...... 8

The Situation:……………………………………..……………………...8

Dispute Over Territory East of the Rhone….………………………………..……..8 Republican Movements …………………....………………………………...... 8 The Reconstruction of Europe….. ………………………………………..……...... 9

Guiding Questions……………………………………………..…...…...11

Positions ………………………………………………………………. 12

Bibliography …………………………………………………………....16

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Chair’s Letter

Highly Esteemed Allies,

It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to for the Fourth Coalition Strategy Meetings. Indeed this location is the most central, and therefore the most accessible place for us to convene. But I think that the memory of Austerlitz, which is especially fresh in this city, will serve as a constant reminder of the severity of our cause. Not only are we fighting for the political stability of Europe, but also for the millions of people who are currently suffering under the French’s radical regime.

Of course, our main goal is to crush the French army and reassert the dominance of in Europe. To allow the delusion that democracy will improve Europe to continue will only lead to more and more chaos.

However, we must also remain vigilant in our own nations. Unfortunately, not all Europeans can see the doom democracy would bring, and have begun stirring unrest. We must maintain order at home for us to be successful abroad.

And finally, my friends, we must plan how we shall deal with once we win this war. To allow the French state to completely collapse would be catastrophic to the balance of power in Europe. But allowing the French to rebuild themselves may also just lead to another Napoleon’s rise.

We have a long road of struggle ahead, my friends, but I have confidence that this Coalition will achieve victory! Best, Sarah Dinovelli

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INTRODUCTION to give you a starting point in your research. It is highly encouraged that you Napoleon has vanquished every enemy, research your country’s role in the previous bested every alliance and coalition, and has coalitions in more detail. The Third brought France to a dominant position Coalition is especially relevant since it within Europe. Popular among the common directly precedes this simulation. people and brilliant at war, Napoleon has risen to prominence in France, and quickly Origins of the Napoleonic Wars has captured the attention of Europe. Every On July 14, 1789 the French people monarch and statesman is acutely aware of stormed the Bastille and the French the unstoppable Grande Armee, and the Revolution officially began. As the grave threat it poses. Gathered are the Revolution advanced and democracy started leaders from Europe’s most important to gain a foothold in France, the other empires, kingdoms and principalities. From European powers became concerned. The the frosty northern courts of , to the introduction of democracy to Europe put all vast , to the slew of states of their monarchs at risk. In 1791, the Holy born from the death of the Holy Roman Roman Empire and Prussia jointly issued the Empire, all brilliant minds are called here , where they today to one task. Many things divide them, announced that they would use military but today they share one common goal: to force to reinstate the French king. In the defeat Napoleon. same document the two leaders encouraged all European monarchs to do the same. . This re-escalated tensions between France Historical Overview: and , leading to France declaring war The full history of the Napoleonic Wars on Austria in 1792. Both sides believed it is long and complicated. In order to help would be a short war, but it ultimately delegates easily understand the general enveloped all of Europe. context of the simulation, a broad overview War of the First Coalition (1792 - of events is provided. This history is meant 1797)

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Coalition Members: Austria, on in the war, the Coalition was able to push England, Holland, Prussia, Sardinia back the French through a three-pronged and attack by Britain, and Holland. A lot Initially the French did horrible in the of this was due to the help of Russia, who war and the Prussian-Austrian alliance helped Austria dominate the land while thought that victory over the fledgling Britain and Turkey covered the sea. was imminent. However, the However, suspicions divided the coalition victory at the Battle of helped while Napoleon only continued to build up legitimize the French and increased national his army. So once again the coalition signed morale. Perhaps patriotism was a bit too a peace treaty - the . high though, because in the next few months the French executed their king and declared War of the Third Coalition (~1803 - war on Britain, Spain, Russia, the Holy early 1806) Roman Empire, most of Italy and The Coalition Members: Austria, United Provinces. Lack of coordination Britain, Naples, Russia, Sweden between coalition members repeatedly Once again the Coalition controlled the prevented a decisive victory. Then fights seas, but could not win a land-victory. over Poland distracted Russia and Prussia, Napoleon attempted to end European resulting in Prussia leaving the war. After resistance by invading England, but was Napoleon marched through Italy and into stopped at the . But Austria, Austria left the war with the Treaty devastating losses at Austerlitz and Ulm of Campo Formio. sealed Napoleon’s victory. By the end, War of the Second Coalition (1799- Napoleon controlled all of Italy, 1801) Germany(which became the Confederation Coalition Members: Austria, of the ), Switzerland, and Holland. Britain, Russia, Turkey Britain continued to combat the French The Rise of Napoleon using its naval dominance. After licking its Throughout the first three Coalition wounds Austria also rejoined the fray. Early Wars, Napoleon won the loyalty and respect 5

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of the French people through numerous only does this allow Napoleon to continue victories. He was promoted to Brigadier- strengthening his hold on the Mediterranean, General at the age of 24, and became the but also poses a security risk to Prussia. Savior of France when he crushed an While Prussia does have a sizeable army, its uprising by French loyalists. In 1799, jaded war strategies raise doubts about Napoleon and his allies saw an opportunity whether Prussia could repulse the French on to instate a more militaristic state. So in July its own. The committee will first have to they successfully launched a coup d'etat and decide if it shall aid Prussia, and if so, how? replaced the republican government with a dictatorship. By 1804, Napoleon crowned Republican Movements in Europe himself . Meanwhile, despite Napoleon’s unpopularity in European nations the ideals The Situation: he embodies continue to spread. After seeing the Americans and the French The simulation will begin in August, successfully overturn a , 1806. Napoleon has refused Prussia’s Europeans have began to seriously ultimatum to move his forces back to the contemplate the benefits of republicanism. Rhone and Prussia has declared war. It joins After the , Europeans a coalition made up of Austria, Britain, generally prefer to use logic to solve Saxony, Russia and Sweden. Joined by key problems and to guide their lives. Religion allies and Sicily, the Coalition shall and faith are of course still important, but hold regular war strategy meetings to plan the movement towards reason makes the its moves against France. masses wonder if a state supposedly ruled

by a proxy of God is a good thing. Faith in Dispute Over Territory East of the the has only further deteriorated Rhone as again and again the Enlightened The most pressing issue at the moment Napoleon defeated the Kings of Europe. is Napoleon’s refusal to vacate territory east Small, underground groups have of the Rhone River, which runs through already formed in various European nations Switzerland and into southern France. Not 6

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to support radical government reform. only aid their recovery, but also provide an Dozens of people have already been arrested opportunity to balance power between a few for circulating underground newspapers, superpowers. This could promote preaching the philosophies of Locke and unprecedented long-term peace in Europe. Jefferson in the streets, and criticizing the Yet, absorbing territories may have monarchy. For now harsh punishments of unforeseen economic, political and social would-be rebels have deterred escalation of consequences that should also be the situation is under control. But the considered. has already shown Then there is the matter of what to Europe that the common people are willing do with France. The reinstatement of the to spill blood for the sake of freedom. monarchy is of course the ideal goal. It would reaffirm the legitimacy of autocracy The Reconstruction of Europe and would send a clear message to the If and when Napoleon is defeated, it will French people - revolution will fail. fall to members of the winning coalition to However, there are several logistical issues decide the fate of France and its territories. this solution generates. Where is Louis As of 1805, Napoleon controlled a number XVI’s heir? How will the Royal Court be of former kingdoms and states. Restoring rebuilt from the ground up? Who shall such territories’ sovereignty would not only oversee the government’s reconstruction? be noble, but also would help to regain the Another thing the Coalition should also balance of power that existed before the consider when deciding France’s fate is Napoleonic Wars. However, some regions, public opinion in their own countries. As especially the Confederation of the Rhine, aforementioned, republicanism is gaining may be too risky to regain independence. popularity, and a wrong move by the The collective threat the kingdoms would establishment could lead to even more pose, should they unite, would be significant revolts. to say the least. Furthermore, splitting territories among the Coalition could not

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Guiding Questions:

• Is conscription ever justified? If so, under what conditions?

• What should be the status of recaptured Napoleonic territories?

• What long-term strategic objects does your country wish to achieve, other than defeating Napoleon?

• How does your country envision a post-Napoleon France?

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a foreign unit of the British Army. The Positions: Regiment has been successful so far, but 1. Frederick Augustus I, Elector of Stuart worries for the safety of his men and Saxony will not endanger them without good cause. Elector Augustus has been a supporter Ideally, he would like to increase his of the French monarchy since the French numbers before taking any major military Revolution. He did not want to oppose action. Napoleon’s campaign, but an early

agreement has forced him to join the 4th 4. Gustav IV of Sweden Coalition. He will likely fight Napoleon for After a failed campaign in the War of now, but will search for any excuse to leave the 3rd Coalition, Sweden is more the coalition and ally with France. concerned about protecting its own territory

than anything else. Specifically, the Swedish 2. King Ferdinand III of Sicily leadership is concerned about the protection After the Italian Campaign of the War of of . However, the King the 3rd Coalition, Sicily is occupied by must also decide how to deal with an French forces. However, Ferdinand additional slight - the ejection of his troops continues to rule the kingdom from British- from Hanover by French forces. Not to protected Palermo. From Palermo, he mention that the Swedish budget is quite continues to resist the French occupation, tight. but requires aid to take back his kingdom.

5. John VI of Portugal, and 3. Major General Sir John Stuart, Acting Leader of Portugal Leader of the Royal Sicilian Regiment As an absolutist and ally of England, Since the annihilation of the Sicilian Regent John refuses to work with the army in the War of the 3rd Coalition, Sicily French. However, he faces increasing is defenseless save a number of British political and military pressure from France troops. For the past few months, Sir Stuart and Spain. Meanwhile, the growing has recruited a few hundred men to serve as instability in Portugal since 1803 splits the

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Regent’s attention between domestic and Napoleon in Italy, but he is undeterred, and foreign affairs. Portuguese liberals are more committed than ever to warcraft. He especially violent, having already revolted in has the full support of the armed forces and Campo de Ourique. is trusted by his elder brother to lead Austrian forces into battle. 6. , General of the Portuguese 8. Johann Philipp, Count von Army Warthausen and Foreign Minister De Andrade rose to prominence in the An eminent Austrian statesman, he was Portuguese army as a brilliant officer. But trusted by the Habsburgs to conduct much of despite being an officer in the Portuguese Austria’s most important foreign policy. Army, de Andrade has many issues with the Since the beginning of his career in 1790, he Portuguese government. He is against the has been sent to Sweden, the United idea of a monarchy, and so often Kingdom, Prussia and Russia, and is ever sympathizes with Napoleon’s cause. At preparing to renew Austria’s fight against times, such sympathies have turned violent, the dominant French. Though he has had like when he led the Campo de Ourique in varied success in his endeavors, failing to 1803. But so far he has stayed cautiously bring Prussia into the third coalition for loyal to the Portuguese monarch. instance, he is well traveled across Europe and a familiar face in front of some of the 7. Archduke Charles, Duke of most important Dukes, Princes and Kings in Teschen Europe. The younger brother of Emperor Francis, Charles was a field-marshal for the Austrians and has made a reputation for himself as a great tactician, as well as an 9. Prince Klemens Wenzel von individual who is open to reform and Metternich, Ambassador to France innovation within the armed forces. Though Metternich rubbed shoulders with he has just led a disastrous defeat against princes, studied law, and mastered the 10

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French language as he grew up, maturing 11. Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel, into a trusted member of the Austrian court. Charles William Ferdinand Having held many positions, from advising The sovereign ruler of Brunswick, he financial affairs to practicing statesmanship has brought his principality into alignment at the court of Dresden, Metternich has now with Prussia and leads Prussian troops into been tapped to go to France and serve in the battle with his position as a in French court during this tumultuous time. the Prussian forces. He is widely acclaimed Self described as being more French than in as a brilliant commander of military forces, German, Metternich is the Hapsburg’s direct and has had extensive experience leading line to the French ministers and even, on men in combat during the 7 Years War and rare occasion, has the opportunity to meet the French Wars, during Napoleon himself. which time he served with Prussian troops.

10. Duchess Louise of Mecklenburg- 12. Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Strelitz, Queen of Prussia Wellington Queen Louise was an influential figure within Prussia. Not only was she the wife of One of the foremost soldiers and King Frederick William III, she also used statesmen in the United Kingdom of his era, her winning personality to garner ties to he was a major-general of the British Army many senior figures in the government, as at the start of the War of the Fourth well as the love of her subjects. She is Coalition. His foremost military success up known to be a close adviser of her husband’s to this point was his defeat of the Maratha and is interested in bringing Prussia to war. Confederacy at the Battle of Assaye in 1803, She is intensely proud of Prussia and though during the War of the Third Coalition. He she opposed entering the first or second appears on his way up the ranks of the coalitions formed against Prussia, she is now British military due to his consistent advocating her pacifistic husband Frederick successes on the ground. Wilhelm. 13. George III

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He has been the King of the United Tsar, including a role in presiding over the Kingdom throughout the French Revolution Vilna Academy, the oldest Baltic University and the Napoleonic Wars. Though extremely and a prestigious source of intellectual prone to illness, the King has maintained a thought in the Russian empire, and a term as strong political presence throughout the the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He views a Wars, even offering to take the field and Russian-British axis as the natural lead his soldiers to battle on the ground counterbalance to Napoleonic strength and despite his ill health. Though facing was perpetually wary of the Germanic domestic challenges regarding his political states. authority in the UK, his word still carries significant weight in the public eye 15. Levin August Gottlieb Theophil regarding the military actions of the aka Count von Bennigsen Kingdom. So far Count von Bennigsen has done a commendable job leading the Russian 14. Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski armies against Napoleon. However, the lack A Pole in the position of Russia’s of modern military strategies and technology council of ministers, Czartoryski was the has taken its toll in the last year. Now the unofficial chairperson of Russia’s Council Count has retreated to a safe area and of Ministers, the centralized gathering of all supports a ceasefire until Russia can of Russia’s most important ministers. More recover. He will probably recommend that importantly had the ear and trust of Tsar Russia avoid military conflict unless Alexander as a member of the Tsar’s privy Russia’s sphere of influence is directly council. He has had many roles serving his threatened.

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