What if America took part in the Napoleonic Wars.    

Here is a What if of mine. I hope you like it. I thought It was very intresting.

Introduction:  It is 1803, for ten years now all of Europe, Africa and Asia have been at war with one Country: France. Napoleon, the Emperor of the French, has seized power and won victories in Austria, Prussia, Egypt, Italy and Spain. He is the dominant figure of the world, but now his troops are having trouble in Egypt and his troops are pinned down on the Iberian Peninsula by The duke of Wellington from Britain. Meanwhile Napoleon is in Austria fighting the Russians and the Austrians. Something drastic must happen or Napoleon could be overthrown, but what?

Meanwhile, President Thomas Jefferson of America, who has been being neutral throughout the war, received a message from Napoleon about an alliance with France. Thankfully Jefferson said no but in this speech I am going to look at a “what if” of history. It seems to me that if Jefferson said yes, we would be singing the Le Marseilles or possibly be drinking Tea, again.

Let us say Jefferson said yes, after all he was known of his love of the French, what would’ve taken place?  First off America would be required to take Ontario from England.  Canada has always been a battleground between England and France, between England and America and so forth.  America at the time could muster at best 70,000 soldiers. Let’s say 25,000 go to Canada, with French support, 35,000 reinforce Napoleon in Europe, including the newly organized and elite Marines.  Then 10,000 would stay at home to guard Washington. 

Another thing America would need to provide would be a Navy. America Did not have one was the problem. But France did not have the time so that is why America was chosen to build it. One of the best ships America did have was the USS Constitution. The USS Constitution was nicknamed “old iron sides” because of its service at Tragalfer and The Nile.  Now the invasion of Ontario had begun. At first everything went well for the Americans, they conquered Toronto and suffered light casualties, until the British counter-attack.

Back in Africa, the French have been successful. At the battle of Cairo the English\Native Army was defeated decisively

In retaliation to the battle of the Pyramids that took place six years before. At Cairo, The Marines Distiqueshid themselves when they broke the English line and set them in flight. When Napoleon heard of this he said “All France will be amazed by their conduct. Vive America!” Once Africa was secured, The Franco\ American army joined up with the Grande Armee to fight the allied Army. Meanwhile on the Iberian Peninsula, The duke of Wellington withdrew his army to England which secured French victory, or so they thought.

In 1805 the greatest battle of all time was fought, it was the battle of Austrelitz or the battle of 4 emperors because the leaders of France, Austria, Russia and America were there. During the battle, the Russians (90,000 men), attacked the French Left flank (120,000 men). While the Austrians (70,000 men), attacked the right where the Americans (35,000 men) were positioned. The Russians lost many men on that cold December morning as well as the Austrians. These foolish assaults cost the allies thousands of men while Napoleon sat there in his entrenchments; this was a pure example of Napoleon’s philosophy” Never interrupt your enemy while he is making a mistake”. Later that day the French counter attacked and chased the Russians into the icy lake. The Americans also attacked and valiantly destroyed the Austrians. Napoleon congragelated the Americans which grew into a respect that would last for years. Austrelitz proved a magnificent success which would hopefully be followed up by many more.

Now if you remember the withdrawal of the English on the Iberian Peninsula, it was not of defeat but simply to redeploy. Wellington (commander of the English forces) Landed in America with 220,000 men. This army was superior to the 45,000 defenders in America and Canada.    

Napoleon sent aid with 15,000 Americans and 40,000 French to try to hold on to the defenses. Toronto fell as well as Quebec; eventually all of Canada fell to the power of the English.

 In Europe, Napoleon organized the French and remaining Americans that were left   there into the Grandee Armee, 1,000,000 men strong to march on London itself, to destroy the people of England. Napoleon stated to his troops, “We must regain French supremacy, we must show the British the guillotine!  March on England,   Leave none alive!” Napoleon prepared his troops for Battle, later he told his most trusted subordidente, Marshal Soult “the invasion has started, WE will be masters of the world, and we shall have global domination. When we are old, and in our death-beds, we shall be proud not to be looking at a map of the world, but a map of France.” These quotes show France’s confidence and they had reason to be. The English only had 110,000 men defending their mainland, and most were untrained militia.   When Napoleon landed on that cold December of 1812 morning, he was met with no resistance until the road between Liverpool and Hardiff Where English soldiers under General Picton Made a stand Against the French Advance guard.  Picton slowly withdrew to draw the French into a trap. Once the French were in a small valley, the English broke out of the woods and tried to encircle the French. The English fought valiantly but were pushed back. On December twenty-third, the three day battle of Manchester ensued where Napoleon defeated the last of Picton’s forces which resulted in the siege of York and ultimately the destruction of England.

Meanwhile, Wellington, now with 280,000 men invaded America and captured Most of New England including New York City and Boston harbor.  Wellington continued to “discipline the rebels” which included torture and Public executions.  In 1805 Jefferson was assassinated by an assassin, hired by Alexander Hamilton. He was replaced by James Madison, who presently was extremely worried about losing his country. Pennsylvania fell without resistance as well as five other states. All the armies were bottled in Washington trying to defend the capital. By October of 1812, only six states and the La purchase remained.  Ultimately, this led to Washington’s destruction. Only a few escaped, including Marshal Marmot, but not the President.  Quickly resistance failed everywhere, except for New Orleans. At the battle of New Orleans, Wellington advanced his 220,000 men into General Andrew Jackson’s defenses manned by American regulars, French and Pirate mercenaries. Wellington was soundly defeated, he suffered 80,000 men, and most of them were soldiers who tried to escape in the swamp and drowned. The Americans suffered 12 men, but one of these was General Andrew Jackson. Later, the Allies were later defeated, probably due to the lack of Andrew Jackson’s leadership, and then surrender.  Now we can only look at history to see who would dominate America. But remember, Jefferson never said yes so none of this ever Happened. But we shoul always remember how close America was to destruction which can lead on to Piles of other what-if’s.

• What do my fellow countrymen think about this matter?

Comments

Dec. 27, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

That was great! If I need to learn Anything about history, I know where to go.

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Dec. 27, 2006 - Very intresting

Posted by Anonymous

I am always amazed at Napoleon and your blog. I would like to here more about Napoleon.

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