This panel offers a fresh and thought-provoking examination of a complex and relevant topic: coalition warfare. The three panelists will present papers on three individuals who were instrumental in Napoleon I’s downfall as Emperor of the French, Austrian Foreign Minister, Klemens von Metternich, Prussian King Frederick William III, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied armies, Prince Karl zu Schwarzenberg. These three men played critical roles in Napoleon's first abdication and were instrumental in maintaining the cohesion of the Sixth Coalition, thereby ensuring a successful outcome for the allied armies. However, these leaders are often neglected in the historiography of the Napoleonic Wars, or their narrative is misunderstood in the case of the foreign minister Metternich.

As foreign minister for the Austrian Empire, Metternich is a name synonymous with conservatism, suppression, and the Vienna Congress system, which is sometimes called the “Metternich System” as an ode to its chief architect. However, Metternich’s vision was a European system built not by a traditional balance of power dynamic but rather a program of cooperation, trust, and acceptance of limits almost did not come to fruition, not because of Napoleon but Tsar Alexander I. In many ways, the primary obstacle to peace in Europe was not Napoleon but Austria’s ally, Russia. During the final nine months of Napoleon’s rule, Metternich was more concerned with the threat of Russian expansion, and he used his political prowess to outmaneuver the Tsar and ensure peace in Europe.

As King of Prussia, Frederick William III ruled during a tumultuous time in Prussian history. He witnessed the decimation of the army at the twin battle of Jena-Auerstadt in 1806 and the military occupation of his country by the French. In 1812, he was forced to aid the French in the disastrous invasion of Russia. During the deadly retreat, the Prussian commander defected to the Russians without royal approval. Frederick William openly absconded from the command of Hans David von Yorck for his actions. Faced with a tough decision, Frederick William expertly extracted his nation from its alliance with France and provided a calming influence during the War of the Sixth Coalition and positioned himself as a staunch adversary to Napoleon.

Like King Frederick William III, Prince Karl zu Schwarzenberg is often overlooked despite his role as the Allied Supreme Commander during the Sixth Coalition, owing to historiographical bias. Schwarzenberg’s management of the allied armies in 1813 and 1814 is a case study of effective supreme command.

These papers will examine the various complexities of coalition warfare and will appeal to political historians, foreign affairs enthusiasts and military historians.