Under Napoleon III's plan, Prussia would certainly have to cede territory and pay indemnities. Hanover would most likely only need to acknowledge defeat, and with additional reparations, it could weather the crisis safely.
Louis Napoleon thought this way mainly because history offered a precedent. After all, in 1848, Franz had come within a hair's breadth of becoming emperor of that so-called German Empire, yet at the critical moment, he had still chosen to back down.
He would rather fight a civil war than dare become emperor of that so-called German Empire. What was he worried about? Those princes he had defeated?
Clearly, he also understood that no great power would permit a unified German Empire to emerge in Central Europe.
Duke of Morny did not understand why Napoleon III was so certain, but being someone who knew how to protect himself, he said, "I understand, Your Majesty. I will send people to continue negotiating with the Austrians and delay their troop deployment as much as possible.
"At the same time, I will send telegrams to London and Saint Petersburg, asking them to coordinate with our actions as soon as possible."
Napoleon III let out a long breath. No one knew whether he had finally convinced the other man, or finally convinced himself.
The French Second Empire had indeed prepared extensively for this war. Even the timing of the declaration of war had been deliberately chosen. Yet the situation now was far worse than anticipated.
In his view, if they could not swiftly seize Alsace-Lorraine, the war would likely turn into a war of attrition. By then, even if Britain and Russia stepped in to mediate, France would emerge severely weakened.
Britain's reaction was indeed extremely intense, yet those who had previously clamored for troop deployments suddenly fell silent.
Because the