However, with the German Allied Forces setting the example, the residents of Sélestat suddenly began demanding much more from their army.
Every day, crowds of demonstrators filled the square in front of City Hall, and Mayor Blanqui clearly had no desire to suppress the people who had resisted the invasion alongside him.
Fanny Cotte was also furious with the soldiers for disturbing the residents. She wanted to punish a few ringleaders, but soon discovered that almost everyone in the army was guilty of some offense.
And every one of them had their reasons. After all, the House of Orléans had indeed treated them unfairly, and they had truly shed blood for the dynasty and the city of Sélestat.
Fanny Cotte was an idealist with only the most straightforward of feelings, and she couldn't think of a solution. So she tried to copy Franz's approach and hand out money.
But she had no money at all. She had already spent it on weapons and ammunition.
Franz had long expected the French-Swiss Expeditionary Force to be wiped out, but he hadn't expected the Prince of Grapeshot to stick his nose in.
Franz had originally wanted to bolster Count of Chambord's standing. After all, helping only the House of Orléans seize the stage would make it seem as though he were playing favorites.
It would be bad news for Franz if either side gained complete dominance. Whoever took control of France would march on Italy and North Africa, which clearly ran counter to Austria's national interests.
In truth, Franz most wanted France to march on the Low Countries. But the French didn't dare bite that bait, while German nationalism was developing far too quickly, so Franz had no choice but to shelve the plan for the time being.
One defeat after another, coupled