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Updated:Apr 23, 2026
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Franco‑Prussian War, German mobilization and the Siege of Paris (1870–1871)

Franco‑Prussian War, German mobilization and the Siege of Paris (1870–1871)

  1. French war declaration triggers German mobilization

    Labels: France, North German, Mobilization

  2. German victory at Wissembourg opens the frontier

    Labels: Wissembourg, Alsace, German army

  3. Defeats at Wörth and Spicheren deepen French retreat

    Labels: W rth, Spicheren, French retreat

  4. Mars-la-Tour blocks French escape from Metz

    Labels: Mars-la-Tour, Army of, Metz

  5. Gravelotte–St. Privat bottles French army in Metz

    Labels: Gravelotte, St Privat, Army of

  6. Siege of Metz begins, tying down a French field army

    Labels: Siege of, Fran ois, Fortress Metz

  7. Sedan defeat collapses the Second French Empire

    Labels: Sedan, Napoleon III, French surrender

  8. Third Republic proclaimed, war continues under new government

    Labels: Third Republic, Government of, Paris

  9. German armies encircle Paris and begin the siege

    Labels: Siege of, German armies, National Guard

  10. Gambetta escapes Paris to coordinate national resistance

    Labels: L on, Balloon escape, National resistance

  11. Metz surrenders, freeing German forces for Paris and beyond

    Labels: Metz surrender, Army of, Prussian forces

  12. German victory at Le Mans ends major western relief efforts

    Labels: Le Mans, Army of, German victory

  13. German Empire proclaimed at Versailles during the siege

    Labels: German Empire, Versailles, William I

  14. Paris capitulates under armistice ending the siege

    Labels: Paris capitulation, Armistice, Food shortages

  15. Paris Commune begins amid post-siege political crisis

    Labels: Paris Commune, National Guard, Post-siege unrest

  16. Treaty of Frankfurt ends war and formalizes new order

    Labels: Treaty of, Germany, France