German Loss in the Franco-Prussian war

[MinnesotaNationalist]

The Franco-Prussian war, despite its length of less than a year, was one of the most important wars ever fought. The direct consequences of this war include the Unification of Germany and becoming the master of Continental Europe, while France deposed its Emperor, staying a Republic up to now, and lost its hegemony over Europe. The long term consequences lead straight to the First World War.

So what would have happened if France won the war? Given a start date in the summer of 1870, it's unlikely for France to win, although still theoretically possible (they did have better rifles and a great machine gun, but that's about it), but a better PoD would be that Napoleon III did more to reform the military starting in 1866, including introducing breach-loading cannons and better organizing the military in the case of a war against the German states.

So what would happen in the case of a German loss? Does France annex the Rhineland and dissolve the North German Confederation? Would Germany ever unite (I don't think so, at least not for a long time, it'd be in French interest not to let such a thing happen)? It's likely in the case of a victory that French hegemony would continue on through Europe, likely with a renewed vigor.

[eDGT]

If there's a militarily stronger France then it's entirely likely that Bismarck would back away from any such war. Perhaps a plebiscite on Alsace in that case.

[guyverman1990]

France could become as powerful as Britain during that time.