The delegates' attention was drawn to a grand map of the African continent displayed prominently on a large board. It was as if the entirety of Africa had been transported and pinned up for the world powers to dissect. The delegates, representing their nation's interests, stood in front of it, eyes raking over the vast territories yet to be claimed. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and tension. Discussions began, and what was initially a murmur grew into an orchestra of voices, each delegate vying to be heard.
The British, German, and Spanish representatives staked territories across Africa and were too delineated their desired regions, sometimes overlapping with another's claim, leading to fervent discussions and eventual compromises.
The French, having already spread their influence widely, occasionally interjected to clarify a boundary or suggest a trade-off between two squabbling nations. The Republic of Italy, which was a puppet state of Napoleon, marked territories in the Horn of Africa and as for the Kingdom of Poland, Napoleon chose the territories of modern Mozambique and the Republic of Congo. Throughout, Napoleon played the role of an observer and occasional mediator, ensuring that discussions did not spiral into outright confrontations.
While the scramble was intense, the Russians and Austrians remained notably absent from the discussions. They justified their non-participation by pointing out that Russia already had vast territories in Asia, spanning beyond the Ural mountains, and Austria felt their interests lay closer to home in Europe and citing that due to the Treaty of Hofburg that turned their nation into a landlocked Empire, having an overseas territory was not of immediate strategic value to them.
As the hour progressed, the room was filled with a mix of agreement, disagreement, and compromises.
As the map gradually filled with markings, annotations, and notes, the scramble began to take shape. It was evident that while some nations would leave the Congress content with their gains, others would depart with plans for further negotiations or potential conflicts in the future.
After the intense discussions and negotiations, Napoleon rose from his seat, signaling the end of the first meeting of the Congress of Versailles. "Gentlemen," he began, "I appreciate the efforts and compromises made today. Let us reconvene tomorrow to finalize our decisions. For tonight, I invite all of you to a dinner prepared by the Palace of Versailles' finest chefs."
"Your Majesty, if I may," the Austrian delegate, Cobenzl raised a hand. All eyes were suddenly on him.
Napoleon sighed inwardly. It must be another thing he forgot, but he wondered what it would be.
"You may speak," Napoleon granted and Cobenzl cleared his throat before speaking.
"Your Majesty, in our second agenda, about the creation of the Polish state, I wonder, who would be its head of state, or king for that matter?"
Napoleon sighed again. "I apologize everyone if this information was omitted to all of you earlier when we were at that agenda. Let's just say I was so engrossed in the matters at hand that I have a tendency to forget about it. So returning to your question, the future Polish King would be someone named Prince Józef Antoni Poniatowski."
Upon revealing the name of the future Polish king, a ripple of recognition went through the delegates. Prince Józef Antoni Poniatowski was a well-known figure in Poland. He is the son of the brother of the last King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski. His military achievements and leadership during the Polish-Russian wars had garnered him respect and admiration both in Poland and abroad.
Napoleon chose him not because he was a Marshal of the original Napoleon Bonaparte, but because he was one of the candidates the Polish nobility and populace would support. Even though he hadn't met him yet, Napoleon was sure that Poniatowski would be a loyal ally of Napoleon.
But why not install a foreign ruler like his brother or someone close to him? Well, if he did that, there would be domestic strife and potential uprisings from the Polish people. They would not easily accept a foreign ruler, especially after being partitioned for so long by the surrounding powers. Having a Polish king, especially someone as recognized and respected as Prince Józef Antoni Poniatowski, would ensure stability and loyalty from the Polish state.
The Prussian delegate, von Hardenberg, interjected, "I assume this decision, to place Poniatowski on the throne, is also to ensure that Poland does not become a mere puppet state of France but stands as a sovereign nation?"
The corners of Napoleon's lips curled into a smile upon hearing that question. They sure are wary.
Napoleon shook his head and responded.
"Your assumption is correct, von Hardenberg. Poland will be its own sovereign nation. While France will naturally have a close relationship with Poland due to us liberating them it is not our intent to turn Poland into a mere satellite state. Poland's sovereignty and its people's wishes are of paramount importance.
Now as I was saying earlier, we have been talking for almost two hours. Let's adjourn for now and have respite for the night. Tomorrow will be another long day, and we must be well-rested."
There was a murmur of agreement throughout the room. Delegates from all nations began to gather their notes, documents, and other belongings. Many were seen forming small groups, discussing the day's events, and speculating about the next day's agenda.
As the delegates left the hall, they were guided to the grand dining area, where a lavish spread awaited them. The aroma of the sumptuous dishes prepared by the Palace of Versailles' chefs wafted through the air, reminding everyone of Napoleon's promise of a fine dinner.
Napoleon, taking his place at the head of the table, raised his glass. "To a successful Congress and a prosperous future for Europe."
The delegates raised their glasses in unison, echoing the sentiment. "To Europe."
***
As the night wore on, the delegates from the participating nations retreated to their private quarters within the Palace of Versailles. Armed guards patrolled the hallways to ensure the safety of the delegates.
Napoleon was in Francis's bedroom.
"Son, you have to wake up early tomorrow, okay?" Napoleon said gently.
"Understood Father," Francis said.
"Good, because tomorrow, just like I said to you earlier, you'll meet someone," Napoleon reminded.
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