Treaties of Reichenbach (1813) facts for kids
The Treaties of Reichenbach were important agreements signed in Reichenbach (which is now called Dzierżoniów) in 1813. These treaties brought together Great Britain, Prussia, Russia, and Austria. Their main goal was to create a strong, united group of countries, known as the Sixth Coalition, to fight against Napoleon I of France.
Contents
Agreements with Prussia and Russia
The first two treaties were signed in June 1813. They focused on getting financial help from Great Britain to support the armies of Prussia and Russia.
Great Britain and Prussia
On June 14, 1813, Great Britain and Prussia signed their agreement. Sir Charles Stewart represented Britain. Prussia wanted money to support 100,000 soldiers. However, the British Foreign Secretary, Lord Castlereagh, was worried that the Prussian army wasn't well-trained. So, Britain agreed to pay for 80,000 soldiers instead.
To help Prussia keep this army, Britain gave them a large sum of money: 666,666 pounds sterling. In return, the King of Prussia agreed to give up some land, including the Prince-Bishopric of Hildesheim, to the Electorate of Hanover. This made Hanover bigger by about 250,000 to 300,000 people.
Great Britain and Russia
The next day, on June 15, 1813, Great Britain and Russia signed their treaty. Lord Cathcart, the British ambassador to Russia, led these talks. Britain wanted Russia to send 200,000 troops to fight Napoleon. But Alexander I of Russia, the Russian leader, said he could only spare 150,000.
After some tough discussions, they agreed that Russia would provide 160,000 troops. In exchange, Britain would give Russia a payment of 1,333,334 pounds sterling to help pay for these soldiers.
Austria Joins the Fight
The most important agreement was signed on June 27, 1813. This treaty, also known as the Reichenbach Convention, was between Prussia, Russia, and Austria.
The Role of Austria
The main person behind this treaty was Clemens von Metternich, who was Austria's top diplomat. It was signed by Count Nesselrode for Russia and Prince von Hardenberg for Prussia.
Based on this agreement, Austria promised to try and find a peaceful solution with Napoleon. If Napoleon didn't agree to the peace conditions set by the Allies (the countries against him) by July 20, 1813, then Austria would declare war on France.
Peace Conditions for Napoleon
The conditions that the Allies wanted Napoleon to agree to included:
- Giving the Illyrian Provinces back to Austria.
- Letting the German states in the Confederation of the Rhine become independent.
- Removing all French troops from Germany and Italy.
- Giving up the Grand Duchy of Warsaw and letting the Allies decide its future.
- Bringing back the independence of Hesse-Kassel, Hanover, and the free cities of Hamburg and Lübeck.
- Returning the Papal States, Piedmont, and German lands belonging to the house of Orange to their original owners.
- Restoring Prussia to its borders from 1806.
Napoleon's Refusal and War
Great Britain did not sign the Reichenbach Convention. The British were not happy because they felt the demands were too small. Lord Castlereagh told his representatives that Spain and Sicily should not be given up. He also wanted Ferdinand VII of Spain to be back on the Spanish throne. Holland should be free from France, and the Kingdom of Italy should return to its old rulers.
Metternich presented these peace terms to Napoleon. However, Napoleon quickly refused them. Even though a French representative, Caulaincourt, was sent to the Prague Peace Congress in July-August 1813, Napoleon had not given him the proper authority to make agreements. Because Napoleon refused to cooperate, Austria declared war on France on August 12.
See also
- List of treaties
Sources
- Clare, Israel Smith. Library of Universal History: Containing a Record of the Human Race from the Earliest Historical Period to the Present Time Embracing a General Survey of the Progress of Mankind in National and Social Life, Civil Government, Religion, Literature, Science and Art. R. S. Peale, J. A. Hill, 1897 (Original from the New York Public Library).
