| Siege of Metz | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Franco-Prussian War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Prussia |
 France |
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| Commanders | |||||||
| Prince Friedrich Karl | François Bazaine # | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 134,000 | ~190,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| unknown | 186,000 surrendered | ||||||
|
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The Siege of Metz lasting from August 19 – October 27, 1870 was fought during the Franco-Prussian War and ended in a decisive Prussian victory.
After being defeated at the Battle of Gravelotte, Marshal Bazaine, retreated into the defenses of Metz. There he was besieged by the Prussian Second Army led by Prince Friedrich Karl on August 19[1][2]. The French attempted to break the siege first at Noiseville and again at Bellevue but were repulsed each time. Although no call for help was made, the French Army of Châlons under the command of Marshal Mac-Mahon was nevertheless ordered to reinforce Bazaine. Marching to Metz, the Army of Châlons was trapped and destroyed at the Battle of Sedan. Bazaine was forced to surrender his entire army on October 27 1870[2][3]. Prince Friedrich Karl and the Prussian Second Army were now free to move against the French force in the Loire River area. The siege is commended by the "Siegesmarsch von Metz" which uses parts of the "Die Wacht am Rhein"
References
- ^ Michael Howard, The Franco Prussian War ISBN 0-415-26671-8
- ^ a b William Fortescue, The Third Republic in France, 1870-1940: conflicts and continuities, (p. 9) ISBN 0415169445
- ^ Article on F. Bazaine in Encyclopaedia Britannica
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