September saw Tsar Alexander call upon the leaders of the
major powers to gather at a congress to be held in St. Petersburg on October
1st, to discuss the current plight of Europe and the opportunity which Nature
has so conveniently presented. Knowing that Napoleon was building a large
multinational army to force a result to the impasse between Russia and France,
the intervention of nature and catastrophic flooding in central/western Europe
is seen by Alexander as divine intervention. Particularly strong in conviction
to his new "divine" cause and forthright in his resolve on a unified
Europe against France, Alexander was a charismatic beacon.
The invitation to the British government included the
preamble to a peace accord between the Nations (as both Russia and Britain are
currently aggressors - though mainly actioned via Naval encounters). With the
Continental Blockade revoked through seer impracticality, the causes for the
conflict between Russia and Britain no longer exist - and though there were
losses on both sides the larger goal beckoned more strongly than pride.
The invitation to Austria and Prussia is received coolly by
both courts, having cause to hesitate due to Russia's immediate immersion of
the Polish state, and neither side is quick to respond to Alexander's request
or to give any indication as to their intentions over the new state of affairs.
Suspicion is rife and though both courts have strong anti-France elements, they
also have grave concerns over Russia and begin talks amongst themselves as to
how to deal with an aggressive Russia. The talks even contemplated the
suggestion of an Alliance with France against Russia (though there is some
suggestion that French influence was strong during these talks).
Thus on the opening day of the Congress, there are only
representatives from Russia, Britain, Spain, Saxony, Bavaria and some minor
German states. With no Austria and Prussia, all representatives excluding
Britain and Spain, almost retire to their lodgings as the belief is that
without Austria and Prussia there is no unilateral support and no possible
resolution to any of their concerns. Though initially angry and discouraged,
Alexander and the British ambassador work on their nations impasse, to such an
extent that by the third week of October a new peace agreement and terms of
working relationship has been signed. British money will once again be
available to Russia, perhaps not as much as she hoped but then business is
business.
Together the two nations approach Prussia and Austria and
with success as by the end of November, all invited nations are present at the
signing of the grand coalition charter.
the stage is almost set.
