The success of the Paris revolution and the ensuing exile of Napoleon IV caused a major political earthquake across the European Continent.
Anyone with a bit of political sense knew that the emergence of a Republican Government at such a time was a disaster for France.
Controlling Paris and controlling France were two different concepts. Without the threat of foreign enemies, the Revolutionary Government could have adopted political measures to unify the nation and gradually purge the Bonapartist elements from the government and military.
Obviously, that was impossible. The Anti-French Alliance would not give them the time needed to integrate the nation. Facing the millions of troops from the Anti-French Alliance, the Paris Revolutionary Government in control of only Paris had no strength to wager.
Strength is the foundation of negotiation, and without sufficient strength, it was pure fantasy for France to hope to preserve its vitality after the war.
