Chapter 310 Prelude to the Battle of Nations

Chapter 310 Prelude to the Battle of Nations

June 20th, 1804. Austrian Empire Capital City, Vienna.

Napoleon and his Grand Army advanced through the streets of Vienna, heading toward the Hofburg Palace. Along the sides of the road, the atmosphere was heavy with gloom and despondency.

The once-thriving city now bore the weight of impending occupation. As the French troops pressed forward, the local population watched in silence, their faces etched with worry and fear.

Napoleon himself rode at the head of the column. He observed the somber scene around him, taking note of the austere expressions on the faces of Vienna's residents.

Soldiers, disciplined and battle-hardened, marched in unison, their uniforms crisp and their weapons gleaming. Their footsteps echoed through the cobblestone streets, a stark contrast to the hushed tones of the city's inhabitants.

Napoleon's eyes never wavered from his objective—the Hofburg Palace. It stood as a symbol of Austrian power, and its capture would mark a significant victory for the French Emperor. But capturing the capital city of the Austrian Empire doesn't mean they have won the war.

He received word that the Emperor of the Austrian Empire declared the capital as an open city, sparing it from the devastating bombardment and destruction that often befell conquered cities. This doesn't surprise Napoleon in the slightest, as it would have been the wisest move the Emperor could do.

And even if they didn't declare it as an open city, he wouldn't lay waste on their capital. Vienna is a city that is rich in history, culture, and beautiful architecture.

He remembered his last time visiting Vienna when he was First Consul. The Sch?nbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral had left a lasting impression on him.

"Your Majesty, we are approaching the Hofburg Palace," Murat, who was riding next to him, announced, bringing Napoleon's thoughts back to the present.

Ahead of them was the Hofburg Palace with its grand facade and imposing presence. While looking around the streets once more, he didn't notice that there were power lines and street lights installed along the streets, a sign that Austria are modernizing like France.

***

Emperor Francis II of Austria, though weary from the recent events, asserted. "The Austrian Empire was not defeated yet by France."

"But your capital is captured," King Frederick William III countered. "Vienna is under Napoleon's control, and that cannot be ignored."

"That is correct, but was there a treaty signed by Austria surrendering to France? I don't think so," Emperor Francis II of Austria replied with a firm tone.

"Now everyone. Let us mature and reflect upon the situation at hand," Tsar Paul I interjected. "I have General Kutuzov here who would like to share something he learned after fighting the French Army. General Kutuzov, you may proceed," Tsar Paul I said, giving the floor to General Kutuzov.

General Mikhail Kutuzov, his uniform showing signs of wear from recent battles, stepped forward. He addressed the assembly with a measured tone.

"Gentlemen, the French Army, are ahead of their time. The tactics that they used at the Battle of Ulm and our encounter were nothing compared to the traditional mode of warfare ten years ago. Using old tactics against a modernized army with modern tactics would surely lose. Fighting an enemy in their own game also presents challenges. It was evident at the Battle of Ulm.

Our men lack combat experience with bolt-action rifles, machine guns, and long-range artillery. In addition, the French were using railways effectively to transport troops and supplies. Even if we combine our forces and outnumber the French, there is a high chance that France would emerge victorious."

After hearing General Kutuzov's assessment, a heavy silence fell over the assembly.

"General Kutuzov," Tsar Paul I broke the silence. "I think you are overestimating the abilities of the French and at the same time underestimating the strength of our coalition."

"I am simply stating the fact, Your Majesty," General Kutuzov replied with conviction.

"So what are we going to do? Negotiate with Napoleon?" King Frederick William III snorted. "There's no way I would do that. We have adopted their weaponry and Prussia has thousands of capable men that can push the French back to the River Rhine."

"As I have said before, the men lack combat experience with new weapons," Kutuzov reiterated and added. "And no, we are not going to negotiate with Napoleon. It's quite the contrary."

"What do you propose? Do we launch an offensive?" Francis II asked.

Kutuzov shook his head. "We let the French come to us. We will dig trenches and set up cannons at strategic positions. This battle is not going to be about maneuverability, it's about attrition. We have a force of over 100,000 men, the French have roughly about the same. The last man standing wins."