The Fox of France

Chapter 153: Hopes of the Poles

Over a hundred Polish individuals had arrived, led not only by Vebitzki but also by a man named Dombrowski.

Dombrowski was a robust and burly figure. As Vebitzki introduced him, it was revealed that he had been a cavalry officer in the Polish army, having received training at the Dresden Cavalry Academy. He had also served in the Saxon army. However, he later joined the Polish uprising, distinguishing himself and earning the trust of his comrades.

"Nevertheless, it hasn't made much difference; we still can't defeat the Russian and Prussian aggressors. When we were at our lowest, I heard about your theories on sustained resistance and guerrilla warfare from my friend Vebitzki. It inspired me and gave me direction in our darkest moments. The French Revolution and Polish independence are not two separate issues but interconnected, mutually supportive endeavors. Vebitzki mentioned that you not only have advanced weaponry but also cutting-edge tactics and ideas. So, we've come here, hoping to receive your assistance."

Upon their first meeting, Dombrowski tightly shook Joseph's hand and spoke earnestly, as if a long-lost comrade had finally found his organization.

Joseph withdrew his hand from Dombrowski's grip and said, "Mr. Dombrowski, please take a seat and have a drink of water. As you said, the cause of the French people's revolution is closely tied to the liberation of all of Europe. I have always deeply admired the courage of the Polish people in resisting oppression, and I feel genuine sympathy for their long-standing sufferings."

He looked at Dombrowski, who had now taken a seat, and seated himself across from him.

"Mr. Dombrowski, if you've come seeking our help, there are some things I must clarify upfront. It may not be pleasant to hear, but for the sake of Polish independence, I hope you and your comrades will listen to what I have to say. I know that some in your country harbor unrealistic hopes that we, the French, will first defeat the main forces of the Russian and Prussian invaders on the battlefield, allowing Poland to regain its independence. I must tell you that if Polish revolutionaries hold onto such hopes, the eventual outcome may be disappointing."

Dombrowski said, "Please continue."

"Prussia, Austria, and Russia are formidable nations. France's enemies are not limited to them alone; we also contend with the mighty British and Spanish. In fact, our struggles against these foes have already been exhausting. Prolonged warfare has placed a significant burden on the French people. Therefore, since the outset of this war, we have been eager for an undisturbed peace. Presently, this longing for peace has grown even more urgent. So, even if we defeat the enemy on the battlefield, as long as they propose peace to France, it would be challenging for us to reject it and impose too many conditions. I understand my words may not be easy to hear, but for the cause of Polish independence, I hope that you and your comrades can comprehend."

Dombrowski inquired, "Are you suggesting that Poland's independence will not be part of the peace conditions France agrees to with its enemies?"

Joseph responded, "Yes, just as the success of the French Revolution primarily relies on the French people themselves, the freedom and independence of Poland ultimately depend on the Polish people themselves."

Dombrowski expressed his concern, "But our enemies are overwhelmingly powerful."

"Strength and weakness can be transformed," Joseph countered, "Wasn't Poland strong in the past? When Poland defeated the Teutonic Knights, captured the Russian Tsar, and vanquished a large Turkish army, wasn't she strong? If Frederick the Great of Prussia, Sigismund III Vasa, and Sobieski knew about the strength of their descendants, would they fear the Teutonic Knights, the Russians, or the Austrians?"

Dombrowski was nearly speechless.

"Weakness can become strength through unrelenting effort. My friend, I can impart various methods to make a nation strong, but we French cannot magically make Poland a powerful nation. An independent and powerful Poland can only be achieved through the efforts of the Polish people themselves. If Poland can only regain its independence through external forces, it will always be at risk of being divided again due to changing circumstances. Your own swords, your own soldiers, are your only hope on the battlefield. It may not be pleasant to hear, but I bear no ill will towards Poland. I hope you understand this."

Dombrowski conceded, "Mr. Bonaparte, you are correct. Only those who genuinely care about you will point out your problems. After hearing your words just now, I am certain that you are a true friend who genuinely cares for the Polish people. I came here to learn the path to self-improvement."

"Very good," Joseph said. "Speaking of which, I would like to ask you a question. How did Poland weaken, and where is the problem?"

Dombrowski had initially wanted to blame the so-called "traitors," but considering Joseph's question, he realized that this explanation, while commonly propagated, might not be entirely accurate. If he responded in this way, he might risk appearing too simplistic. After some thought, he said, "Poland has weakened because we are too conservative, clinging to outdated traditions, and our people are too apathetic."

"That is merely the surface," Joseph shook his head. "The nobility in your country clings to tradition because they believe it protects their interests. Similar to the situation in our country before the revolution, the nobility wanted to shift all burdens onto the people without regard for the people's interests. This led to a revolution in our country. However, in your country, the nobility is so strong that the people cannot stage a revolution; they are left apathetic. For the people, a country that doesn't consider their interests cannot truly be their country."

Joseph continued, "Look at Prussia, for instance. After the Battle of Kunersdorf, what was Prussia? But during the reign of Frederick the Great, Prussia rapidly ascended to become a significant European power. Why? Because Frederick the Great transformed his subjects into citizens. Prussian citizens shared rights and responsibilities. They saw the state as an extension of themselves, and they were willing to fight for the nation because they believed it was their own."

Joseph then turned his attention to the French army and its tactics, asking Dombrowski, "Have you noticed how important light infantry is in the battles of the French army compared to other nations? Mobile and agile light infantry is one of our most potent assets when defeating foreign intervention forces. But why can't our enemies, the Austrians and Prussians, utilize light infantry the same way?"

At this point, Joseph paused, gazing at Dombrowski, who had fallen into deep thought.

Dombrowski soon replied, "Because their armies lack the morale that the French army has. If they use light infantry extensively, those troops, without proper discipline, would easily flee the battlefield."

Joseph probed further, "So, are you suggesting that French soldiers inherently possess high morale? During the Seven Years' War, did the French army exhibit such morale?"

Dombrowski responded promptly, "Of course not. If the French army during the Seven Years' War had possessed the morale it does now, Prussia would have been wiped off the map long ago."

Joseph then asked, "So where does the morale of today's French soldiers come from?"

Dombrowski had an epiphany, "Because today's French soldiers believe that France is theirs, that the nation and their interests are inseparable, and they fight not just for the country but also for themselves. If Poland wants to become a powerful nation, it must first become a state that genuinely cares for the interests of its people."

Joseph agreed, "Exactly! Poland is currently subjugated, and in the occupied territories, you must emphasize that your fight is always for the people's benefit. Those people are not just the nobility but also commoners, even serfs. I heard that your country still has serfdom. The invaders are not in Poland to do charity but to exploit and oppress. They will inevitably infringe on the people's interests. This is determined by their aggressive nature, and it's unchangeable. This is your chance to win the people."

Dombrowski hesitated, "But, Mr. Bonaparte, the extent of oppression by the invaders"

Joseph interrupted, "Nonsense! Mr. Dombrowski, are you trying to say that the invaders' oppression of the people is currently less severe than the exploitation carried out by your country's nobility in the past?"

Dombrowski was red-faced and avoided eye contact, "Mr. Bonaparte, youyou're absolutely right, it's just thatthat it's a sensitive issue"

Joseph concluded, "Sometimes the truth is uncomfortable, but it's crucial to confront it. If you truly want to lead a strong and independent Poland, you must first build a nation that serves the interests of its people. This is the path to resilience and strength. And remember, the strength of a nation comes from the unity of its people, their shared interests, and their shared destiny."

Dombrowski nodded, understanding that the path to rebuilding Poland would not be easy, but it was a path worth pursuing.

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