Chapter 196 Napoleon Fixation Over Louisiana



As Napoleon waited for his Minister of Foreign Affairs to arrive, he flipped through a stack of treaties that the French Republic had signed with the Kingdom of Spain. Berthier, his Minister of War, also skimmed through the documents to catch up.

Berthier looked up from the treaties and met Napoleon's gaze.

"So the French Republic signed a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Spain in the year 1795. It's called the Peace of Basel, where the Kingdom of Spain ceded half of the island of Hispaniola to the Republic of France in exchange for the Gipuzkoa," Berthier remarked, breaking the silence as he read through the treaties.

Napoleon nodded, affirming Berthier's statement. "Right, the Peace of Basel marked the end of hostilities in the Pyrenees front. It also set the stage for the later alliance between the Kingdom of Spain and us."

"Now, the Kingdom of Spain is willing to give back the territory of Louisiana to France," Berthier concluded. "I wonder why the Kingdom of Spain would give up such a large territory in North America?"

"Probably their territory in North America had grown too large for the Kingdom of Spain to manage effectively," Napoleon mused, his tone contemplative as he considered the potential motives. "Or perhaps they see more value in focusing their efforts closer to home."

"Tuscany?" Berthier hummed. "I don't think Tuscany has ever been close to the Iberian Peninsula. I wonder why the Kingdom of Spain is willing to give up Louisiana in exchange for Tuscany...Perhaps the Kingdom of Spain sees some strategic advantage in gaining that territory."

Napoleon pondered for a moment and then spoke.

"It might not be about geographic proximity, but rather political considerations."

Berthier nodded, processing the idea. "So you think there's a larger political motive behind this exchange?"

"Indeed," Napoleon confirmed. "From what I recall, King Charles IV of Spain has a son-in-law, Louis, Infanta Duke of Parma. Our foreign policy towards Italy has been consolidating Italian states under one banner. But Louis has a legitimate claim to the Duchy of Parma, and we've shown interest in that region. The Kingdom of Spain might be seeking compensation for us backing Louis's claim to Parma."

Berthier's eyebrows furrowed as he connected the dots. "So, in exchange for us not interfering with Louis's claim, they're offering us Louisiana?"

"Indeed, they've been exploring this possibility for a while. But I didn't entertain it, the reason being that we were at a pseudo-war with the United States. I don't want to make any moves that could complicate that situation further."

"Ah...you mean the Quasi-war," Napoleon recalled with a nod. "But it was settled already, right? I believe that it was my brother Joseph who signed the convention of 1800 with the United States to put an end to the hostilities," Napoleon remarked.

"But the treaty is not yet approved by the US Congress because we didn't agree with the terms demanded by the United States where we have to compensate for the losses suffered by American merchants during the Quasi war," Talleyrand interjected.

Napoleon leaned forward, a frown on his face. "So, the Americans are dragging their feet on this?"

"Yes, Your Excellency. The convention of 1800, while ending the hostilities, hasn't been fully resolved due to these compensation demands. It's a delicate situation, and we need to be cautious about how our actions might influence the ongoing negotiations."

Berthier leaned in as well, his expression serious. "If we were to agree to this deal with the Spanish, trading Louisiana for Tuscany, how would that affect our relations with the United States?"

Talleyrand paused, considering his response carefully. "It could potentially sour our relationship further. The Americans might see it as us siding with Spain, which could lead to heightened tensions and potentially even retaliation. I believe that the United States has an ambition of expanding westward, and the Louisiana territory holds strategic significance in their plans."

Napoleon drummed his fingers on the table. "So, this isn't as simple as just gaining a vast territory. If we take Louisiana, it could antagonize the United States...considering that this discussion with Spain is secret. But I want Louisiana, Talleyrand. So I think we should comply with the demand of the United States, and compensate for the loss so that the US Congress can approve the Treaty of Mortefontaine. Then after that, we signed an official treaty with the Kingdom of Spain, where they would give up Louisiana. That way, the United States won't feel cheated..."

Napoleon trailed off and then scoffed softly. "United States...why are we even talking about this as if the United States poses a huge threat to us? They are just a rebel nation that without us, they would probably won't exist. Here's my decision, we are going to take Louisiana whatever it takes."

"But, Your Excellency. This could possibly bring us to war with the United States..."

"Didn't you hear me, Talleyrand? The United States doesn't pose much of a threat to us. If you are that concerned then follow the instructions I said earlier." Napoleon said.

"So I assume that we are going forward with the negotiation with the Kingdom of Spain," Berthier asked.

"Yes, Berthier, we proceed with the negotiation," Napoleon decided.