Napoleon had spent years and vast amounts of treasure
building-up, restructuring and re-equipping his German client states. Russia
had ignored Napoleons call for a blockade of English imports. In early 1811
napoleon prepared for the inevitable invasion of Russia. Those campaign plans
and the motivation have now evaporated, for the time being. However, the French
had left a well-trained and equipped Germanic force, that now redirected its
focus on regaining self-governance.
Most of the German states had been organised and trained on
the French corps system. All regiments were fully equipped and at full
establishment for the field. However the loss of French Corps commanders and
headquarter staff personnel, greatly affected the Allied Corps for immediate
readiness.
Now that the yoke of French occupation and rule has been
lifted, Bavaria and Saxony are the first to be persuaded by Austria and Prussia
to form a new coalition. Their armies are hesitantly absorbed into the Austrian
and Prussian armies. Slowly and tenuously other German States offer their
forces and begin to be integrated along national affiliations. By April 1812, a
united Europe stands ready and poised for war.
The Confederation of the Rhine are forming alliances. The
Bavarians are questioning their “Austrian Alliance” and start resenting the
occupying Austrian forces. King Frederick Augustus of Saxony and King William I
of Prussia have signed a treaty of understanding.
Wellington with his Spanish and Portuguese Allies assemble
ready to cross the Pyrenees. But it is sometime, as much needed reinforcements
and additional supplies are made available. The question is when will he cross
and where?