Schonbrunn Treaty

The Schönbrunn Union Treaty of 1805 is an offensive-defensive alliance agreement between Prussia and France , signed on December 15, 1805 in the Schönbrunn Palace , where at that time Napoleon I ’s headquarters was located.

The agreement was drawn up in the context of the rapidly changing military-political situation in Europe at the end of 1805. On the part of France it was signed by General Michel Duroc , on the part of Prussia - Minister Christian von Haugwitz , who appeared in Schönbrunn to present the Prussian ultimatum to Napoleon in accordance with the Potsdam Union Convention 1805 . Upon learning of the victory of the French troops at Austerlitz , Haugwitz changed tactics and went to conclude a treaty.

According to the Schönbrunn Union Treaty, Prussia renounced part of its possessions: - the Duchy of Cleve , the Principality of Neuchatel and the Margrave of Ansbach , which were transferred to the ally of France - Bavaria . In return, she received Hanover seized by France in 1803 from England , which, according to Napoleon’s calculation, should have quarreled Prussia and England.

The basic conditions of the Schonbrunn Treaty, which was not ratified by the Prussian King Frederick William III , were included, being somewhat heavier for Prussia, in the Paris Treaty between France and Prussia, which was signed on February 15, 1806, which replaced it. After Prussia closed its ports in accordance with this treaty, through which England traded with it, the latter began a war at sea against Prussia in April 1806.