The end of the Continental War not only meant that Austria had obtained hegemony over the European Continent; more importantly, the sword hanging over Austria's head no longer existed.
One only had to look at the Draft French Settlement to see that Austria had stuffed its allies full this time, while also drawing hatred in full measure.
One could imagine just how terrible Franco-Austrian relations would become next. Still, that was a minor problem—there were plenty of countries sharing that hatred.
Meat that had been swallowed could not be spat back out. At this point, if the French wanted to rise again, they would first have to ask whether their neighboring countries agreed.
Times had changed. Before the war, the French could look down on these neighbors; after the war, things were entirely different.
Though the declining Spain lacked strength, it was big! Now that it had recovered the fertile region of Roussillon, its strength would continue to grow.
The newly restored Kingdom of Sardinia could not be counted on for the moment, but it had considerable potential for development and the support of Italy's many states on the anti-French issue. After one unpleasant experience, no one would want a second.
Belgium, badly weakened though it was, did not have much strength, but its hatred for France ran as deep as the sea. It was unquestionably at the forefront of the anti-French camp.
Mountainous Switzerland might not have much national strength, but everyone knew of the famed Swiss mercenaries. It was absolutely a tough bone to chew.
If France wanted to rise again, achieving a breakthrough in any direction would be as difficult as climbing to the heavens. Especially with Austria watching greedily from the side—any slightly bigger move would bring another Anti-French War.
According to the think tank's analysis,