Confederation of the Rhine

The Confederation of the Rhine was a coalition of German states established in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory over Austria and Prussia. Aimed at consolidating power in Central Europe, it included 16 German states and served as a buffer against Austria and Prussia. The Confederation was under French influence, which meant that member states had to align with French policies. It lasted until 1813, when Napoleon was defeated, leading to its dissolution and the eventual creation of the German Confederation in 1815 after the Congress of Vienna.