Battle of Leipzig (Battle of the Nations)
In four days of fierce fighting, the Coalition forces surrounded Leipzig on three sides. The French fought a retreat, Saxon and other allied troops changed sides on the field, and Napoleon was forced to order a general retreat; during the withdrawal a bridge was blown up too early, cutting off the rearguard.
Belligerents
Anti-French coalition (Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sweden)
- Commanders
- Prince Schwarzenberg, Blücher, Alexander I
- Strength
- About 360,000
First French Empire and allies
- Commanders
- Napoleon I
- Strength
- About 195,000
Background
After the disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon rebuilt his army in Germany. The members of the anti-French coalition seized the moment to join forces, forming an allied army of unprecedented size to encircle him.
Course of the battle
- Multi-pronged encirclementThe armies of Russia, Prussia and Austria closed in on Leipzig from the north, east and south.
- Allies change sidesOn the third day of fighting, the Saxon troops, who had been on the French side, went over to the Coalition on the field.
- General retreatNapoleon ordered the whole army to retreat across the only bridge in Leipzig, but engineers blew it up prematurely, trapping the rearguard in the city.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1813 |
|---|---|
| Place | Leipzig (now Saxony, Germany) |
| Result | In four days of fierce fighting, the Coalition forces surrounded Leipzig on three sides. The French fought a retreat, Saxon and other allied troops changed sides on the field, and Napoleon was forced to order a general retreat; during the withdrawal a bridge was blown up too early, cutting off the rearguard. |
| Winner | Anti-French coalition (Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sweden) |
| Casualties | Combined casualties exceeded 90,000, making it the largest battle of the Napoleonic Wars. |
| Territorial change | France's sphere of influence east of the Rhine collapsed completely, and from then on the war spread to French soil. |
Impact
The Battle of Leipzig was the largest battle of the Napoleonic Wars and is known as the "Battle of the Nations." Its disastrous outcome led directly to the Coalition entering Paris the following year and to Napoleon's first abdication.
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