Treaties of Tilsit
On the 7th of July 1807, Napoleon and Tsar Alexander I met on a wooden raft floating in the middle of the Neman river. The water flowed between their two armies while they negotiated peace terms for France and Russia. This unusual setting symbolized perfect equality between the two emperors who had just defeated Prussia at Friedland. Napoleon arrived from the west while Alexander approached from the east to discuss the future of Europe. They signed the first treaty that day before moving to formalize agreements with Prussia three days later.
France pledged to aid Russia against the Ottoman Empire while Russia agreed to join the Continental System against the British Empire. The two countries secretly agreed to help each other in disputes over territory and influence. Napoleon convinced Alexander to enter into the Anglo-Russian War and instigate the Finnish War against Sweden. The Tsar agreed to evacuate Wallachia and Moldavia which Russian forces had occupied during the Russo-Turkish War. French admirals Ushakov and Senyavin handed over captured Ionian Islands and Cattaro to Napoleon as part of this arrangement.
Cottbus passed to Saxony while the left bank of the Elbe was awarded to the newly created Kingdom of Westphalia. Białystok was given to Russia leading to the creation of the Belostok Oblast. Most Polish lands in Prussian possession since the Second and Third Partitions became the quasi-independent Duchy of Warsaw. Prussia lost about half its pre-war territories including 5,700 square miles down to just 2,800 square miles. Population dropped from 9.75 million inhabitants to no more than 4.5 million within new boundaries.
France fixed its tribute to be levied from Prussia at 154,500,000 francs on the 9th of March 1808. The sum was lowered in two steps to 120 million francs by the 1st of November 1808. French occupants requisitioned money and kind from various corporations and persons especially through billetting soldiers on cities. Contributions additionally amounted to between 146 and 309 million francs according to different calculations. The Prussian government indebtedness soared between 1806 and 1815 by thaler 200 million to altogether 180.09 million interest-bearing debts.
Napoleon created the Kingdom of Westphalia with territory taken from Prussian provinces like County of Mark and Principality of Minden. The Duchy of Warsaw formed from Polish lands while Free City of Danzig became a separate entity. Russia gained territory with a population of 200,000 inhabitants including areas previously held by Prussia. The Kingdom of Saxony received former Prussian provinces as compensation for supporting Napoleon's cause. These new political entities formalized French control over Central Europe after the treaties were signed.
Cooperation between Russia and France eventually broke down in 1810 when the tsar began to allow neutral ships to land in Russian ports. Napoleon crossed the Neman river again in June 1812 to invade Russia ending any vestige of alliance. The decision to meet on a raft had once symbolized equality but now marked the beginning of conflict. Tsar Alexander refused to follow Napoleon's commands as demonstrated during the Lisbon Incident. Plans to marry the tsar's sister were stymied by Russian royalty before the invasion commenced.
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Common questions
When did Napoleon and Tsar Alexander I meet to sign the Treaties of Tilsit?
Napoleon and Tsar Alexander I met on the 7th of July 1807 on a wooden raft in the Neman river. They signed the first treaty that day before formalizing agreements with Prussia three days later.
What territories did Russia gain from the Treaties of Tilsit?
Russia gained territory including Białystok which led to the creation of the Belostok Oblast. The country also received areas previously held by Prussia with a population of 200,000 inhabitants.
How much money did France levy as tribute from Prussia after the treaties were signed?
France fixed its tribute to be levied from Prussia at 154,500,000 francs on the 9th of March 1808. This sum was lowered in two steps to 120 million francs by the 1st of November 1808.
Which new political entities were created under the Treaty of Tilsit?
The treaties established the Kingdom of Westphalia and the Duchy of Warsaw while making Danzig a separate Free City. These entities formalized French control over Central Europe using territory taken from Prussian provinces.
When did cooperation between Russia and France break down following the Treaties of Tilsit?
Cooperation between Russia and France eventually broke down in 1810 when the tsar began to allow neutral ships to land in Russian ports. Napoleon crossed the Neman river again in June 1812 to invade Russia ending any vestige of alliance.