Treaty of Chaumont facts for kids
The Treaty of Chaumont was an important agreement signed in 1814 by four major European powers: Austria, Prussia, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Even though it was dated March 1, 1814, the leaders actually signed it on March 9 or 19.
The main goal of this treaty was to make the alliance stronger between these countries, known as the Sixth Coalition. They wanted to be ready in case France, led by Napoleon, refused the peace terms they had offered. Each country agreed to send 150,000 soldiers to fight against France. They also promised to protect the peace in Europe for twenty years once the war was over, making sure France didn't start another conflict.
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Making the Agreement
Leaders from Austria, Prussia, Russia, and the United Kingdom met in a town called Chaumont, Haute-Marne on March 1, 1814. This meeting happened after some talks in late February.
Who Signed the Treaty
The Treaty of Chaumont was officially signed by:
- Emperor Alexander I of Russia for Russia.
- Holy Roman Emperor Francis II for Austria (with his minister Prince Metternich).
- King Frederick William III of Prussia for Prussia.
- British Foreign Secretary Lord Castlereagh for the United Kingdom.
Napoleon's Choice
The treaty offered Napoleon a deal: he had to give up all the lands France had conquered and return France to its borders from before the French Revolution. If he agreed, there would be a ceasefire, and he could continue to rule as Emperor of the French.
However, Napoleon rejected this offer the very next day. This decision ended his last chance to make peace through talks. Because he refused, the Allied powers promised to keep fighting the war.
What Happened Next
The decisions made in the Treaty of Chaumont were later confirmed and put into action at the Congress of Vienna in 1814–1815.
Key Decisions and Outcomes
Most of the terms in the treaty were written by Lord Castlereagh from Britain. He even offered money to help keep the other armies fighting against Napoleon. Some of the important things that came from the treaty included:
- Creating a German Confederation, which was a group of German states.
- Dividing Italy into several independent states.
- Bringing back the Bourbon kings to rule Spain.
- Making the Netherlands bigger by adding what later became Belgium in 1830.
This treaty became a very important part of the alliance that helped create the Concert of Europe. This "Concert" was a system that kept the balance of power in Europe stable for many decades.
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