Chapter 104
19. European Summit – 1
Among the countless Parisian newspapers, there was one that boasted the biggest history. It was ‘La Gazette’.[1]
The newspaper, which first appeared in the 17th century under King Louis XIV, had been active as a media outlet for the Bourbon royal family in the early days of its establishment.
However, when the French Revolution broke out with the famous Bastille Prison raid, it was able to survive the blade of the purge by changing its position faster than anyone else and absolutely obeying the revolutionary forces.
Since then, La Gazette had enthusiastically praised the leading forces by changing faces quickly whenever the regime and power changed.
While maintaining the same line as before, it managed to increased its scale. The intellectuals had been very disapproving of this, but nevertheless, they could not deny that La Gazette was the most famous and largest press in Paris.
It was still the newspaper with the most subscribers in Paris, whether it had grown cheaply or not. The editors recently begun to do interesting things to Parisians.
“Did it come this morning?… Check the mailbox, Raymond!”
“Yes, Dad!”
As the day got colder, the boy called Raymond, sniffing with a runny nose, went outside the house and opened the red mailbox.
As he tucked his arm into the cold mailbox, a smile appeared on his bright face. It contained what Raymond and his father were waiting for.
“Wow! It’s here! It really came, Dad!”
The man came hurriedly, leaving the farm’s work behind, when he heard Raymond’s fuss. What was in the hands of his son, who was running around, was a special mail.
To Jean Medecin, the farmer on Bailly Street in the 3rd District in the South-East of Paris. Thank you for being part of the subscribers who regularly read La Gazette. La Gazette is always…
He quickly flipped through it and focused on the last page containing the main topic of interest. It contained what was making the Parisians so excited.
La Gazette prepared the following special questions to investigate our subscribers’, and furthermore, the Parisians’ usual thoughts, political tendencies, satisfaction with life, future values, and beliefs. The subscribers’ responses will be used as data to be reflected in Paris’ public opinion trends and wishes, as well as in the blueprint of future policies, so please respond carefully and clearly.
La Gazette complies with the ‘Luxembourg Decree’ issued by His Majesty the Emperor. We promise not to discriminate against or do anything to suppress freedom of expression based on the responses of our subscribers.
It was the first questionnaire of La Gazette.
This would later be referred to as the world’s first ‘public opinion survey’. Whether he knew he was facing such a historical moment or not, Jean Medecin was just showing interest and curiosity about what questions would be asked.
“Hurry, hurry up and do it!”
“Hehe, don’t rush me…”
Jean Medecin smiled at his son and turned the page. A question-and-answer section came into his eyes.
1. Has the financial situation of the subscriber and his family improved over the last 10 years?
Please give us the answer by comprehensively considering your individual income and assets, the stability of your job, and the future. Write the number 1 if it is better than how it was 10 years ago, the number 2 if it has not changed, and the number 3 if it has worsened.
Jean Medecin thought for a moment. He was running a grape farm inherited from his father, and as with all farms, profits varied from year to year. Five years ago, the worst weather conditions, cold waves, and hail hit and destroyed farming for a year.
‘But the situation has improved a lot recently. The future has changed to hope, too!’
Grapes grown on his farm were not exclusively for brewing, so the time for distribution was short. In order not to lose money, it had to be sold quickly, so if inventory accumulated, he had to either sell it for a lower price or throw it away.
However, as the war ended and the economic situation improved rapidly, the grapes on the farm sold well without stocking.
On top of that, various taxes such as the sale tax, market tax, and farm tax were abolished, increasing the liquidity of transactions and leaving a bigger margin even if he had to sell at a lower price. What else was there to say? Jean Medecin wrote down the number 1 without hesitation.
2. What do you think about the implementation of policies promised by the Empire’s cabinet and the outcome of recent foreign policies?
Here, foreign policy refers to external expeditions and diplomatic achievements. If you think it was successful, write the number 1…
“Of course it’s 1. How can I already forget the great victories of His Majesty the Great Emperor and the invincible Grand Army?”
His son Raymond, who was watching from the side, clapped while smiling as if he agreed.
In 1804, the day the republic was converted into an empire. As he ascended to the throne as Emperor, the rising general promised to preserve the territory of the republic, respect freedom of religion, equality of rights, political, civil freedom, and a abundant life for individuals and families. There had been many twists and turns in the middle, but in the end, he kept all his promises.
3. Which country do you think is the biggest enemy threatening the safety, territory, and sovereignty of the French Empire?
For this question, please write down the name of the country you are thinking of, not a number.
“Hmm… Of course, these are the sly and vicious island bastards. Obviously!”
Excited to see if his father’s answer was good again this time, Raymond raised his arms and hurrahed. Then, in the French folk song ‘Song of the Ocean’ written by Georges Caron, the part ‘Let’s beat all the islanders!’ was sung like a medley.
As the war escalated again between France and the United Kingdom, antipathy between the people of the two countries began to flare up. That was why Jean Medecin was able to pick Britain right away without any hesitation.
4. What area do you think needs to be better for the development and future of the Empire?
1 for a wider territory, 2 for a richer Empire, 3 for the welfare of citizens, 4 for the improvement of external diplomatic relations…(omitted)…
Jean Medecin, who was currently supporting his old parents, wrote the number 3. In addition, he sincerely wrote down the answers to various questions. Overall, many subscribers answered that they were satisfied with the current situation and rule of the Empire.
Along with Jean Medecin, probably the absolute majority of the other citizens of Paris… no, even the French citizens beyond Paris, would think alike.
With the lifting of censorship in the media, art, and publishing industries, the French were free to criticize the government, cabinet, and military. At first, they had been wary that it was an investigation trap from the secret police, but they soon realized that it was not. Newspaper companies were not asked to revise or delete articles even if they openly criticized government policies in their headlines, and even if citizens on the street cursed the government, guards and police did not arrest them or brutally assault them.
The French people, who gained the right to express their feelings as they pleased, fell in love with the sweet taste of true ‘freedom’ that they had never enjoyed before.
In salons and squares, they were able to express their opinions according to their political tendencies freely, and discussions or disputes were resolved among themselves, and no outside public power intervened.
Thanks to this, the French people had the right to make legitimate criticism without risk.
Nevertheless, it was surprising that there was no criticism of the Emperor, who was the one who made France prosper in its golden age.
‘All of this is thanks to His Majesty’s grace. That’s right.’
He had created an environment where people could stay warm and fill their stomach, while leading the Empire to the top, presenting a wide range of freedom, welfare, and a comfortable and stable life. They did not tolerate criticism or accusation against the Emperor, not because someone ordered them, but on their own will.
While feeling their country constantly developing and advancing, and while watching the back of the Emperor leading it, the French people were giving unchanging, absolute support for one person.
“I’m curious about other people’s opinions in Paris. They must be thinking about the Empire and His Majesty just like us, right?”
Jean Medecin answered while stroking Raymond’s head.
“Of course. The 800,000 citizens of Paris are wise people, different from the people of Israel, who did not recognize Moses, their savior.”
Jean Medecin wrote down the address of the headquarters of La Gazette and returned it with the carefully written question-and-answer sheet. As the time was getting more turbulent, he hoped that this small questionnaire would help the Empire and the Emperor.
===
When conflicts of interest or ideology arose between countries, it had been a long-standing practice of international diplomacy to first go to the ambassadors of the criticized country when protesting.
Even the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire, the two iron supporters, were accompanied by ambassadors in diplomatic affairs, and extremely refrained from criticizing other countries in official meetings.
However, Britain’s response this time was breaking that practice. Prime Minister Charles Grey gave a speech openly criticizing France at Westminster Parliament, without talking first to the French ambassador in London at the time.
The British added, ‘The French violated our property rights first, ignoring international laws, so it’s appropriate retaliation!’ but of course, the French side could not think that way. This was a huge disrespect to the French Empire and to Napoleon.
The Emperor, who was respected and revered by his great and proud country, was attacked by the islanders, so would the passionate French stay still?
The angry Parisians rose like wildfire and criticized the attitude of the British Prime Minister and Cabinet, while painters and novelists also published satire or short stories mocking Britain and British politicians.
In response, London media reported on the estimated amount of damage returned to individual British citizens, listing companies that suffered losses from France’s ‘patent piracy’.
In areas where citizens of both countries frequently met, it was common to see hate protests or quarrels.
As the confrontation between the two powers dominating Western Europe intensified, the atmosphere of peace became an old saying and warfare began to circulate throughout Europe again.
War! It seemed that the time to cry for war was about to come again. Not only the French but also all Europe now paid attention to what Napoleon, the Emperor of the Empire, would say.
The remarks or expressions of the absolute ruler governing the Empire had a different level of influence and execution power than the prime minister of a constitutional monarchy.
With just one word, the war that had stopped could resume in an instant, and in reality, Napoleon had often used this kind of surprise declaration of war. Despite the attention focused on him, the French Emperor did not make an official statement.
“Even the war Emperor is reluctant to declare war against Britain, which rules the sea!”
“Or maybe there is a secret agreement between the two countries.”
The neighboring countries of France and Britain made the above reasoning with the given information. Maybe there would not be a war? While optimism prevailed, news that would surprise the entire Europe hit the continent.
“…(omitted)… So far, the history of the European continent has been a series of constant disputes, quarrels, and intimidation, to the extent that it can be considered a history of war. Those who suffered during that period and those who died bleeding were all ordinary European citizens.
But did the war bring groundbreaking benefits? It did not. After all, war is merely a polite expression for theft and plundering. Now we have to stop this wheel of blood that only burns human potential without development.
This cannot be achieved by the will of only one country. Therefore, we insist on holding regular meetings that will lead the new era by establishing a new cooperative relationship and system between European countries and seeking harmony and coexistence.
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This meeting has never existed before, where heads of European countries can gather for peace, balance, and stability on the European continent to have important and sometimes casual discussions.
Through this, we need to cultivate a sense of complementary responsibility by coordinating disputes and quarrels in line with the new era to come.
If all Europe gathers its mind, it can prevent the tragedy of the Great War. I sincerely believe and hope that the honorary heads of European countries will accept and cooperate for the common development and value of Europe.”
These were the words of François Carnot, Minister of the Administration of the French Empire. The remarks he made in the Imperial Council quickly spread throughout the European continent. Carnot was called the ‘double heart’ of the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. His words soon became Napoleon’s intention.
The war, which was likely to be triggered over the French and British patent disputes and insults, had already been buried under a new topic that was shaking Europe as a whole. This was enough to mute the British side, which was preparing for war.