ABSTRACT
Charles Maurice Prince de Talleyrand attempted to limit Napoleon's Bonaparte ambition from within the system. In doing so, he became the centre of an opposition faction at court. Talleyrand's stance conforms to the general lassitude towards war and the desire for peace that was prevalent in French society during the latter stages of the Empire. Talleyrand participated in a session of the regency council to consider whether Marie-Louise and her son should leave Paris or stay in order to avoid capture by the Allies. Talleyrand thus gave the appearance of being prevented from joining the empress, and consequently remained behind in Paris to become the key mediator between the Allies and what was left of the Napoleonic regime. The decision to work in favour of a return of the Bourbons and to negotiate with the Allies behind Napoleon's back placed Talleyrand at the head of a pro-restoration group.
