The Battle of Wissembourg opened the Franco-Prussian War and enabled Prussian forces to advance into France, triggering the subsequent defeat at Wörth.
Key Facts
- Date
- 4 August 1870
- German forces engaged
- Three army corps
- French position
- Small garrison, greatly outnumbered
- Subsequent battle triggered
- Battle of Wörth, 6 August 1870
- French commander compelled to act
- Marshal Patrice MacMahon
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
At the outset of the Franco-Prussian War in August 1870, three German army corps converged on the French border town of Wissembourg, catching the small French garrison there by surprise and greatly outnumbered.
On 4 August 1870, the German forces attacked and overwhelmed the French defenders at Wissembourg in what became the first engagement of the Franco-Prussian War. Despite being surprised and heavily outnumbered, the French garrison fought stubbornly before succumbing to defeat.
The fall of Wissembourg opened French territory to Prussian advance and compelled Marshal Patrice MacMahon to confront the German forces, leading directly to a further French defeat at the Battle of Wörth on 6 August 1870.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Patrice MacMahon.