Napoléon diplomate
The external policy of the Consulate and the Empire had not just a warrior aspect and action of the conqueror. With frequent conflicts with European powers, Napoleon was also a creator and host of active diplomacy, fueled by his own thought and also historical references and traditions inherited from his predecessors. This book puts in light the foundations of this diplomacy, through an analysis of the "system", Napoleonic, and several cases. Beyond the rivalries with the hereditary enemy, English power struggled with other great powers (Russia, Austria, Prussia). Napoleon was also concerned about the backgrounds of some unexpected, sometimes even exotic countries. Should he hide his colonial policy in the Caribbean? What were his relations with Morocco? Did he consider the United States? What were his intentions which beneficially respected Poland's and why he failed to make Ireland a "Vendee English." What are the reasons for its distrust towards Spain, yet its main ally for more than half of his reign? In answering these questions, Thierry Lentz presents evidence of a vision and irreducible calculations as the sole issue of French hegemony. While many are educated in the Napoleon who was an accomplished practitioner of war and peace, this work takes a new look at Napoleon diplomatic action.
