He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 387

387. The Eugene Corps Heads to Prussia

So, why did Napoleon specifically choose Prussia?

“Actually, we were supposed to be fighting Prussia around this time.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Well, I think I did too well in the New World, so Britain hasn’t been able to pay much attention to Europe.”

At the Orléans Palace, now practically called the [Sub-Royal Palace, a residence for a member of the royal family], Eugene chuckled as he spoke.

It’s the summer of 1806, a time when several major events had already occurred in the original timeline.

Firstly, the so-called Third Coalition against France has already passed, and the Fourth Coalition should be forming.

Above all, it’s the time when Napoleon prepares his famous Continental System [a large-scale embargo against British trade].

However, after Eugene went to the New World, it wasn’t just the history of America that changed.

Eugene made the so-called Anglo-American War happen earlier, bigger, and on a larger scale.

Because of this, Britain had little room to pay attention to the European continent, and attempts to blockade trade with France, check them, or start wars were almost impossible.

Meanwhile, Hippolyte, who was rummaging through documents behind Eugene, tilted his head.

“Well, is it because of the war? Then why is Britain suddenly engaging in war now?”

“That’s simple too. It’s because the situation has become unbearable. Both externally and internally.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Eugene shrugged, looking around a world map in a corner of the palace reception room that wasn’t yet organized.

“Simply put, Britain, which became the dominant power in Europe after the Seven Years’ War, can no longer tolerate France trying to become a hegemonic power again.”

So, this is a matter of hegemony [leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others].

“Every nation aims for growth. Great powers aim for hegemony. France has entered an imperial system, and glory is essential to strengthen the victories and authority to show to the people.”

“So, killing people is necessary for that.”

“It would be nice if we could peacefully seize hegemony, but France doesn’t yet have overwhelming power.”

Of course, this is something that will never happen in the original timeline.

In fact, even Britain, when it became the world’s largest colonial power, couldn’t dominate Europe.

Only the United States after the end of the Cold War reached the status of an overwhelmingly hegemonic power.

Hippolyte tilted his head in the opposite direction again.

“Come to think of it, what exactly *is* overwhelming power? I’ve been running with His Sub-Royal Highness so frantically that I don’t really know.”

It seems like a very basic question, but at the same time, it’s also the essence.

Why do we have to go to war?

Because of hegemony.

But what goal does having hegemony, that is, overwhelming power, imply?

Eugene thought of a problem that people of this era don’t think about because they are caught up in the torrent.

“In the modern 19th century, or rather, ‘modern times,’ it would be population, industrial production, and military power.”

“Oh, we French monopolized the most fertile land in Europe. I saw the other day that the Vendée region is being industrialized. Besides, we have over a million soldiers with the conscription system, right?”

“We filled a million soldiers because it was an emergency, and now it’s roughly between 400,000 and 500,000, right? Of course, that excludes troops dispatched overseas.”

During the First Coalition War, that is, the Counter-Revolutionary War, France mobilized as many as 1.2 million troops.

Of course, this was the result of mobilizing most of the soldiers of conscription age.

However, in Europe, there is no country other than Russia that can handle this mobilization system yet.

On the other hand, France was able to do this thanks to Carnot [Lazare Carnot, a French mathematician, physicist and politician] and the citizens motivated by the revolution.

However, the soldiers who are conscripted into the army are also citizens who are responsible for the country’s production.

Therefore, if you maintain a state of constant mobilization, agricultural production will naturally hit rock bottom.

In the past five years when the war did not break out, France began to reduce the number of soldiers and create a standing army system.

Nevertheless, it is still the number one military power in Europe.

“Of course, Russia has a larger population than France.”

“Huh? Really? That barren land?”

“Currently, France has approximately 31 million people according to statistics, and Russia has approximately 40 million, although it’s not accurate. Britain has much fewer. The mainland population is 13 million, and about 19 million including Ireland.”

Eugene turned to the other side of the map and said,

“And the American Federation has 5 million white people, about 6 million including slaves.”

“Well, in conclusion, it’s decent. Isn’t it much more than Spain or Prussia?”

“Besides, if you add up industrial production, trade volume, and agricultural production, [Gross Domestic Product], France is probably number one in Europe. I think we’re roughly 35 billion francs, and Britain is about 32 billion francs. The United States is around 10 billion francs.”

The reason why population is directly related to national power is precisely because of Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

In fact, GDP is a concept created by Simon Kuznets in the United States in 1930 at the request of the government.

Also, the similar GNP began to be used after World War II.

That means it’s a concept that no one can think of right now.

Nevertheless, it roughly matches the power ratio of the country, so Hippolyte nodded in agreement and widened his eyes.

“No, then why haven’t we taken hegemony? We’re all number one?”

“India.”

“Huh? Why India all of a sudden?”

Eugene stared at the exact opposite side again.

“If you broaden your view to the world, China is number one in population and economic power, and India is number two. The Qing Empire is roughly 200 billion francs, and India is about 100 billion francs. And, the Indian subcontinent is virtually a British colony.”

Of course, around the 19th century, the Qing Empire and the Mughal Empire are already in a state of decline.

However, since the Industrial Revolution has just begun, Europe does not boast overwhelming national power either.

Conversely, as the 19th century passes, Europe overwhelms the world with the Industrial Revolution.

In short, the Napoleonic era was also a time of competition to see who would take hegemony just before the wave of the Industrial Revolution hit.

Hippolyte asked Eugene, who was reminded that he was living in a time of great upheaval.

“Wait, if you include the colonies, don’t we get higher too?”

“We only have Egypt and Louisiana at best. If you consider the colonial economy, Spain is much better. The home country is only around 10 billion francs, but Nueva España [New Spain, a Spanish colony in North America] is 5 billion francs, and the southern New World, including Nueva Granada [a Spanish colony in South America], is about 10 billion francs.”

“Oh, still only about 25 billion. Goodness, if Britain had eaten the United States, we wouldn’t have been able to compete at all? No, even Spain is an enemy this time?”

Just as Hippolyte was sticking out his tongue, Eugene chuckled and pointed to Britain.

“Yes. Besides, the Industrial Revolution has started, already in Britain.”

Mechanization of the means of production, the Industrial Revolution.

Of course, even after that, humans represented by engineers are needed.

Even if it is mechanized, there are still many workers who have to stick to the conveyor belt.

Nevertheless, it is clear that innovations are occurring that cannot be compared to the time when they were produced by hand.

Hippolyte, who suddenly felt like a patriot, asked urgently.

“W, we’re starting quite a bit in France too, aren’t we?”

“The state isn’t putting all its efforts into it. The British government isn’t doing it either, but capitalists and nobles across the country are interested in the Industrial Revolution.”

“Eugene, are you saying that Britain will become even stronger than us as time goes by?”

Surprisingly, Eugene, one of the top leaders of the French Empire, agreed to the seemingly humiliating statement.

“Yes, without war, it will be difficult for France to overtake Britain.”

That is the fundamental reason why Napoleon ultimately chose war in this era.

Of course, even if that weren’t the case, Napoleon would have tried to win glory through war, but at least he wouldn’t have waged a reckless grand expedition.

Hippolyte, who had a momentarily dumbfounded expression, blinked.

“Oh, but I’m hearing about that Gross Domestic Product thing for the first time?”

Eugene’s face turned slightly pricked, but he glossed over it and replied.

“Well, it’s a concept I’ve roughly thought about. In this structure of national power, do you understand why our France has to strike Prussia?”

Hippolyte nodded.

“Prussia has a population of 5 million, and about 9 million including the occupied countries. On the other hand, the standing army is around 200,000, right?”

“Yes.”

“Centered on the famous line infantry, the military power is strong, but if they lose, it will be difficult to rise again, right?”

Unlike the huge enemy, Britain, Prussia is rather easy.

The army’s military power is certainly strong, but once it is broken, it is difficult to replenish.

That’s why it’s the perfect target for France to prey on.

“Yes. That’s why His Sub-Royal Highness designated Prussia as the main enemy.”

Furthermore, it is an obstacle that France must overcome in order to seize hegemony in continental Europe.

***

At the General Headquarters of the French Imperial Army on Île de la Cité [an island in the Seine in the center of Paris], Eugene and his party were greeted.

“Welcome, Your Sub-Royal Highness. And, Marshal Junot!”

Junot, who had accompanied them, whistled.

“What are you talking about, Chief of Staff Berthier? I’m not yet a Major General, am I? In terms of military rank.”

“No, that’s not true. Marshal Junot. You have been appointed as an aide to the commander of the 2nd Expeditionary Corps as of today, and you have been issued the title of Marshal. However, since time is of the essence, you will have the conferment ceremony later.”

“Oh ho! This is the famous Marshal’s baton!”

Junot laughed heartily, waving the blue Marshal’s baton with an eagle drawn on it.

Imperial Marshal, the highest position in the French Empire, which has now become the only empire in Europe.

Originally derived from [Maréchal, a high-ranking military officer], which had been appointed since the dynasty, Napoleon gave this position special authority.

It’s like the position of [Corps Commander] who has independent command and completely controls one area.

Below that are the Major General-level division commander, the Brigadier General-level brigade commander, and ranks that can be seen in modern history, such as Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, and Major.

Unlike Russia or Austria, there are no positions such as Field Marshal, Cavalry General, or Infantry General below the Marshal.

Of course, there is no set rank, and the Emperor may grant special status by imperial decree.

However, Junot has not yet been given independent command.

This is because he was appointed as an aide to the 2nd Corps Commander, Eugene.

Chief of Staff Berthier turned to Eugene and said.

“Also, we will arrange for His Sub-Royal Highness, the 2nd Corps Commander, to be given priority over any Marshal in terms of troop organization rights.”

“Not the Imperial Guard, right?”

“That’s difficult. It seems that His Imperial Majesty will be leading the campaign this time.”

Swallowing the regret of not being able to handle the famous Imperial Guard, Eugene tapped the table.

“Marshal Masséna said he was going to Spain, and Augereau will have to fill Masséna’s void, so it will be difficult to take Lannes.”

“The commander of the Imperial Guard must, of course, serve His Majesty.”

“That’s a shame. Then let’s take the brave Junot, the bald Davout, the artillery specialist Marmont and Duroc, and Ney.”

Berthier raised his eyebrows.

“Except for Generals Marmont and Duroc, they are all friends who have worked in the New World. By the way, isn’t Ney involved in the Pichegru coup [a conspiracy against Napoleon]?”

“Like Moncey and Winter, I had a hard time getting him out. Pichegru was so opposed.”

“Is there a reason why you have to use that friend? What about Murat instead? If it’s a cavalry commander, Bessières is also promising.”

Certainly, Murat or Bessières might be better as cavalry commanders alone.

However, Eugene has a reason why he needs Ney, the loser of the original history’s Waterloo.

It is the breakthrough power he shows when he has independent command.

“If you just need promising players, you can use Lasalle and Champeaux. However, those friends have to be used as my guards, and I need a general who can operate independently.”

Berthier, who saw through Eugene’s intentions, raised his eyebrows again.

“You’re moving the cavalry independently? That violates the principles of war.”

“The grand principle of 18th-century warfare. Operate infantry, cavalry, and artillery together.”

“There is a reason for the principle. It doesn’t change just because the 19th century has begun, Your Highness Eugene.”

However, Eugene shook his head.

“No, it’s necessary this time. In enemy territory, we have to move faster than the enemy and try to defeat them individually.”

Berthier, who had been quietly watching Eugene, returned to his blunt expression and leaned back on the sofa.

“It seems you have a plan in mind. Let’s hear it.”

Of course, immediately after that, Berthier’s expression had to change rapidly again.

***

Soldiers naturally find their value when they go to the battlefield.

“Thank you for the selection, Your Sub-Royal Highness!”

Michel Ney was no exception, kneeling with a joyful expression.

After the revolution, the constitution stipulated that all citizens have equal legal status.

The Emperor, contemporary nobles, and high-ranking officials are only high in status, not privileged.

However, from Ney’s point of view, Eugene is a benefactor who saved him from the quagmire and his lord.

On the other hand, Marmont, who had been eating well and living well in Paris, patted his slightly plump cheeks and smacked his lips.

“Oh, I’m not very grateful, Your Sub-Royal Highness.”

“Thank you for being so honest, General Marmont. I don’t think it would be better to move with His Sub-Royal Highness? Even to marry ‘Aunt’ Caroline.”

“Wouldn’t that actually be the case? This war is obviously His Majesty’s campaign. Of course, it is more advantageous to serve His Majesty in order to gain merit.”

Marmont chuckled, looking back at Junot’s Marshal’s baton.

“I want the Marshal’s baton too. Even to marry Princess Caroline.”

Unlike the original history, Caroline, one of Napoleon’s younger siblings, did not marry.

This is because of her love affair with Marmont.

However, Napoleon, like a Corsican patriarch who thinks about family marriages as he pleases, has not yet allowed this marriage.

Therefore, Marmont needs more military achievements.

But Eugene shook his head.

“The most difficult battlefield is Spain. Conversely, the easiest battlefield is the Rhine front, where His Sub-Royal Highness will advance. However, the place where you can make achievements is the battlefield with me.”

“Why?”

“Because Jean-Baptiste Eblé will be in charge of the main force of the artillery in this war.”

Eblé, the inventor of the metal pontoon bridge.

Eugene had received quite a bit of help from him during the Italian expedition.

But why is Eblé Marmont’s competitor?

In fact, artillery in this era is not just a simple cannon expert, but an engineer.

Conversely, it means that Eblé, an engineer, can also play a role in the artillery field.

Above all, the key to artillery operation in this war is to introduce the new breech-loading Beaulieu cannon and Ricorne cannon introduced by Eugene.

Here, Eugene counted the promising artillery generals.

“Even if it’s not Eblé, it’s the same. There are many decent artillery commanders, from Lauriston, Andreossy, Sorbier, Gassendi, Carheil, Saint-Laurent, and Sénarmont. But I don’t have any.”

Then the silent Duroc asked.

“Then, why did you call me, Your Highness?”

Eugene turned to Duroc and smiled.

“Duroc, you have to protect my back. Can you take charge of the reserve?”

Duroc, who was originally Napoleon’s bodyguard captain in the original history, nodded calmly.

“Of course, Your Highness.”

With this, the command of Eugene’s 2nd Corps was decided.