THE FALL OF PRUSSIA We now turn to consider the influence which the founding of the Rhenish Confederation exerted on the international problems which were being discussed at Paris.

Having gained this diplomatic victory, Napoleon, it seems, might well afford to be lenient to Prussia, to the Czar, even to England.

Would he seize this opportunity, and soothe the fears of these Powers by a few timely concessions, or would he press them all the harder because the third of Germany was now under his control?
Here again he was at the parting of the ways.
As the only obstacles to the conclusion of a durable peace with England were Sicily and Hanover, it may be well to examine here the bearing of these questions on the peace of Europe and Napoleon's future.
It is clear from his letters to Joseph that he had firmly resolved to conquer Sicily.

Before his brother had reached Naples he warned him to prepare for the expulsion of the Bourbons from that island.

For that purpose the French pushed on into Calabria and began to make extensive preparations--at the very time when Talleyrand stated to Lord Yarmouth that the French did not want Sicily.