Reverses which he hoped to inflict on the Prussian Field Marshal would increase the Austrian hesitation.

The Emperor believed that the pressure by Oudinot and Victor would be effective.
They would draw in their columns and concentrate.
After he had finished with Bluecher and his army, he intended to retrace his steps and do the same thing with Schwarzenberg.

Of course, if he failed with Bluecher it was all over.

He was the last hope of France--he and his army.

If his magnificent dash at the Prussians and Russians was not successful, nothing could delay the end.