Battle of Froeschwiller (1793) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Froeschwiller (1793)
Part of War of the First Coalition
Battle of Froeschwiller (painting by Frédéric Régamey, 1905)
Date 18–22 December 1793 Location Froeschwiller, France Result French victory
Belligerents
Republican France	Habsburg Austria
Commanders and leaders
Lazare Hoche Charles Pichegru	Count von Wurmser
Units involved
Army of the Moselle Army of the Rhine	Army of the Rhine
Strength
25,000	15,000
Casualties and losses
1,000	2,000 16 guns

The Battle of Froeschwiller was a key battle fought from December 18 to 22, 1793. It took place near the village of Froeschwiller in France. This battle was part of the larger Wars of the French Revolution, specifically the War of the First Coalition.

In this battle, the armies of Republican France faced off against the Habsburg Austrian army. The French forces were led by Generals Lazare Hoche and Charles Pichegru. The Austrian army was commanded by Dagobert Sigmund von Wurmser.

What Happened at Froeschwiller?

The fighting began on December 18, 1793. French troops launched an attack that pushed the Austrians back a short distance. This was just the start of several days of intense fighting.

The French had a plan to attack the Austrians from different directions. General Hoche sent about 12,000 soldiers to attack the Austrian army's right side. This surprise move aimed to weaken the Austrian defenses.

Battle of Froeschwiller on December 22, 1793: French soldiers taking the town of Froeschwiller (painting by Frédéric Regamey, 1905)

The Final Push

On December 22, the French launched a very strong attack. General Hoche led five different groups of soldiers in a powerful assault. At the same time, General Pichegru's army attacked the Austrians from the south.

This combined attack was too much for the Austrian forces. They were forced to retreat all the way to Wissembourg. This victory was very important for the French. It helped them regain control of the Alsace region, which had been threatened by earlier Austrian successes.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Battle of Froeschwiller was a significant French victory during the War of the First Coalition. It showed the growing strength and tactics of the French Republican armies.

This battle also set the stage for another important fight, the Second Battle of Wissembourg, which happened just a few days later. These battles together helped decide the fate of Alsace during the French Revolutionary Wars.