Fontainebleau

The Treaty of Fontainebleau, signed on April 11, 1814, marked a pivotal moment in European history, concluding the Napoleonic Wars’ War of the Sixth Coalition and initiating a period of relative peace in Europe. This treaty not only ended Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule over France but also reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Europe. To fully understand the significance of the Treaty of Fontainebleau, it’s essential to delve into the events leading up to it, the nations involved, the major battles of the War of the Sixth Coalition, the terms of the treaty itself, and its aftermath and legacy.

The Napoleonic Wars, a series of conflicts driven by the ambitions of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, had engulfed Europe since the late 18th century. The War of the Sixth Coalition (1812-1814) arose from Napoleon’s failed invasion of Russia in 1812, which significantly weakened his Grande Armée and motivated his adversaries. The coalition, comprising the United Kingdom, Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sweden, Spain, and Portugal, aimed to curtail French expansionism and restore stability to Europe.

The Sixth Coalition was a testament to the widespread opposition against Napoleonic France. Key battles that highlighted this conflict include the Battle of Leipzig, also known as the Battle of Nations, in October 1813, where Napoleon faced a decisive defeat against the allied forces of Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Sweden. This battle was crucial as it directly led to the invasion of France and ultimately to Napoleon’s abdication.

The Treaty of Fontainebleau was negotiated between Napoleon and representatives of the coalition forces. The terms were surprisingly lenient towards Napoleon, allowing him to keep the title of Emperor and sovereignty over the island of Elba, a small principality in the Mediterranean, where he was exiled. The treaty also provided for the safe passage of Napoleon, his family, and his retinue to Elba, along with a yearly pension from the French government.

Napoleon’s exile to Elba was short-lived. He escaped in February 1815, returned to France, and initiated the Hundred Days’ campaign, which ended with his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Despite this, the Treaty of Fontainebleau had lasting implications for Europe:

1. Restoration of the Bourbon Monarchy: The treaty paved the way for the restoration of Louis XVIII to the French throne, marking the beginning of the Bourbon Restoration era.

2. Congress of Vienna: The treaty set the stage for the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815), a conference that aimed to redraw Europe’s political map and establish a long-lasting peace and stability across the continent.

3. Balance of Power: The outcomes of the Treaty of Fontainebleau and the Congress of Vienna contributed to a new European balance of power that prevented major continental conflicts until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

The Treaty of Fontainebleau’s leniency towards Napoleon is often debated by historians. While it effectively ended his rule in France and temporarily restored peace, it also left the door open for his brief return to power. The treaty’s legacy is thus a complex one, embodying both the end of an era of relentless warfare and the beginning of a new order in European politics.