Produktbeschreibung
Description: The battle of Leipzig was the largest battle of the Napoleonic wars and the largest battle in Europe until the First World War easily ranking as one of the largest battles in History. Napoleon, on the defensive after the disastrous Russian campaign of 1812 was forced to fight the decisive battle of the Napoleonic Wars, a battle which involved five armies and nearly half a million men. By the 18th October Napoleon had concentrated his shrinking army at Leipzig. His army had been driven back after 3 heavy days of fighting. The Allied assault on the Town began at 10.30 as the French tried desperately to retreat through the town. Every gate, every street, even every building was defended and it was not an easy task for the Allies as then, as today fighting in an urban area is a very costly business. The French were tired and running low on ammunition and a retreat was unavoidable despite many acts of bravery from the defenders. |
