The Fourth Coalition (1806–1807) of Prussia, Russia, …
Years: 1806 - 1806
April
The Fourth Coalition (1806–1807) of Prussia, Russia, Saxony, Sweden and Britain forms against France within months of the collapse of the previous coalition.
Napoleon, following his triumph at the Battle of Austerlitz and the subsequent demise of the Third Coalition, had looked forward to achieving a general peace in Europe, especially with his two main remaining antagonists, Britain and Russia.
He has meanwhile sought to isolate Prussia from the influence of these two powers by offering a tentative alliance, while also seeking to curb Prussia's political and military influence among the German states.
Despite the death of William Pitt in January 1806, Britain and the new Whig administration have remained committed to checking the growing power of France.
Peace overtures between the two nations early in the new year prove ineffectual due to the still unresolved issues that had led to the breakdown of the Peace of Amiens.
One point of contention is the fate of Hanover, a German electorate in personal union with the British monarchy that has been occupied by France since 1803.
Dispute over this state will eventually become a casus belli for both Britain and Prussia against France.
This issue will also drag Sweden into the war, whose forces have been deployed there as part of the effort to liberate Hanover during the war of the previous coalition.
The path to war seems inevitable after French forces eject the Swedish troops in April 1806.
