As Britain struggled to keep up with France's military advancements, desperation led them to seek an alliance unlike any before. Realizing that no single nation could match Napoleon's war machine, Britain reached out to the old powers of Europe—Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Spain—with a dire proposal: a grand coalition to crush France once and for all.
To entice their allies, Britain shared what technological knowledge they had managed to steal. Rifled muskets, explosive artillery, and ironclad ship designs were distributed across Europe. While these nations lacked the industrial might to fully replicate Napoleon's advancements, they could still modernize their armies enough to pose a significant threat.
In secret meetings across London, Vienna, and Berlin, the leaders of these nations plotted the destruction of France. They would coordinate a massive, multi-front invasion, overwhelming Napoleon's forces before he could adapt. The First Coalition was reborn, this time armed with weapons inspired by France's own genius.
As war loomed once more, Manuel received word of the growing alliance. He knew that the greatest battle of his reign was about to begin. But he had no intention of losing.
If Europe wanted war, then war they would have.
The Second Coalition Rises
In the early months of 1802, war clouds gathered once again over Europe. Britain, unwilling to let France dominate the continent, officially announced the formation of the First Coalition. Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Spain, all armed with Britain's stolen knowledge, mobilized their forces for a massive, coordinated assault on France.
Mobilization and Strategy
France had become a fortress of industry and war, but Manuel knew that even his advanced weaponry would be tested against the combined might of Europe. He quickly issued orders for mass conscription and the full-scale production of weapons, ensuring that every French soldier would be better equipped than their enemies.
Railways moved troops faster than ever before, and the French navy, now boasting ironclads, prepared for Britain's inevitable blockade. Manuel's generals were ordered to fortify strategic locations, knowing that the coalition would attempt to strike on multiple fronts.
The Declaration of War
On March 3, 1802, Britain and its allies formally declared war on France. The First Coalition had begun. Coalition armies moved toward France from all directions—Prussians and Austrians from the east, Russians through the north, and British forces landing in Spain to pressure the south.
Europe was at war once again, but this time, Manuel would not be the one fighting for survival—he would be the one leading the charge toward total domination.