Treaty of Paris (14 March 1812) facts for kids

The Treaty of Paris was an important agreement signed on March 14, 1812. It created an alliance between the Austrian Empire and the French Empire. This alliance was formed against the Russian Empire.

Austria promised to provide 30,000 soldiers to help the French. These soldiers would be led by the French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, if there was a war with Russia. The person who signed for France was its foreign minister, the Duke of Bassano. For Austria, it was their ambassador in Paris, the Prince of Schwarzenberg. The treaty had nine public parts and eleven secret parts. It was later made public in a newspaper called Le Moniteur Universel on October 5, 1813.

Why the Alliance Happened

Austria wanted this alliance with France. On November 28, 1811, the Austrian foreign minister, Klemens von Metternich, told Emperor Francis I that he thought a war between France and Russia was likely to happen the next year.

Before this, on February 24, 1812, France and Prussia had already signed their own alliance treaty. This meant Prussia would help France in any war against Russia. If they won, Prussia expected to gain land at Austria's expense.

Metternich became worried when he heard that Napoleon might encourage the Poles in Warsaw to start a rebellion in Austrian Galicia. To protect Austria's land, Metternich decided to seek an alliance with France.

Austria's Role in the Alliance

Metternich offered to send 30,000 men. These soldiers would serve under an Austrian commander on the French side during an invasion of Russia. In return, he asked for permission to keep a group of soldiers, called an army of observation, in Galicia. Austria was not allowed to do this under its neutral status.

Metternich called Austria's part in the upcoming war a "war of self-preservation." His main goal was to keep Austria in control of Galicia. On March 2, a special group was formed to make sure Austria kept its promises. This group included Metternich and other important officials.

What the Treaty Said

The public parts of the treaty, signed on March 14, 1812, stated that both France and Austria would respect each other's borders. They also promised to respect the Ottoman Empire's territory.

The Austrian group of 30,000 soldiers was to include 24,000 foot soldiers (infantry) and 6,000 horse soldiers (cavalry).

The secret parts of the treaty confirmed that Galicia would remain Austrian. This was true even if the Kingdom of Poland was brought back to life. Austria also had the choice to trade Galicia for the Illyrian Provinces. Other secret parts said that the Austrian soldiers would stay together as one group. They would be led by a commander chosen by Emperor Francis I. Austria's promise only applied to a war against Russia. Wars against the United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal were specifically not included.

Metternich's View

Even before the Treaty of Paris was signed, Metternich compared it to the Treaty of Versailles from 1756. That earlier treaty led to a big change in alliances, creating a Franco-Austrian alliance. Metternich saw himself like Prince of Kaunitz-Rietberg, who negotiated the 1756 treaty.

Metternich thought the 1812 treaty was a great diplomatic success. He believed it was made between equal partners and helped Austria keep its independence. This was different from the treaty between France and Prussia, which made Prussia seem like it was under France's control.

Austria's Actions

A month after signing the treaty, Metternich secretly told Tsar Alexander I of Russia that Austria would not fight very hard in the war. Despite this secret message, Austria did send its required soldiers to help with the French invasion of Russia in June 1812.