Battle of Paris (1814)

battle_name=Battle of Paris

The Battle

The Allied army arrived outside Paris in late March. Nearing the city, Russian troops broke rank and ran forwards to get their first glimpse of Paris. Camping outside the city on the 29th the Allies were to assault next morning. Early in the morning of March 30th the Allied attack began beginning when the Russians attacked and drove back the French Young Guard near Romainville in the center of the French lines. A few hours later the Prussians, under Blücher attacked north of the city and carried the French position around Aubervilliers, but did not press their attack. The Württemberg troops seized the positions at Saint-Maur to the southwest. The Russians attempted to press their attack but became caught up by trenches and artillery before falling back before a counterattack of the Imperial Guard. They continued to hold back the Russians in the center until the Prussian forces appeared to their rear. A group of Young Guards were trapped between the Russians and Prussians forced to surrender. The Russian forces then assailed the Montmartre Heights where Joseph's headquarters had been at the beginning of the battle. Control of the heights was severely contested. Joseph fled the city and Marmont had no choice but surrender the city.

Related Topics:
March - March 30 - Blücher - Württemberg - Imperial Guard

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