List of battles of the War of the Fourth Coalition facts for kids
The War of the Fourth Coalition was a big conflict in Europe that lasted from October 1806 to July 1807. It was part of the Napoleonic Wars, a series of wars led by Napoleon Bonaparte of France. In this war, France and its allies fought against a group of countries called the Fourth Coalition. These countries included Prussia, Russia, Great Britain, and Sweden.
The war started because Prussia felt threatened by France's growing power in Germany. Napoleon's army was very strong and had just won against Austria and Russia in the War of the Third Coalition. Prussia decided to challenge France, but it turned out to be a very difficult fight for them.
Contents
Key Campaigns of the War
The War of the Fourth Coalition can be divided into several main parts, or campaigns. Each campaign took place in different areas and had its own important battles.
The Jena Campaign: October 1806
This was the first major part of the war. It happened in a region of Germany called Thuringia.
- Battle of Schleiz (October 9, 1806): This was one of the first clashes. French forces won against Prussian and Saxon troops.
- Battle of Saalfeld (October 10, 1806): Another French victory. This battle was a big blow to the Coalition.
- Battle of Jena–Auerstedt (October 14, 1806): This was a huge and decisive victory for Napoleon's French army. The Prussian army was almost completely destroyed in two separate but connected battles. This win allowed France to take over much of Prussia very quickly.
The Post-Jena Campaign: October–November 1806
After the big victory at Jena–Auerstedt, the French army continued to chase the remaining Prussian forces. This campaign moved into Brandenburg and Pomerania.
- Capitulation of Erfurt (October 16, 1806): Many Prussian soldiers surrendered to the French.
- Battle of Halle (October 17, 1806): French forces won another battle, pushing the Prussians back.
- Fall of Berlin (October 27, 1806): The French army marched into Berlin, the capital of Prussia. This was a major symbol of French dominance.
- Battle of Prenzlau (October 28, 1806): More Prussian troops surrendered after being trapped by the French.
- Battle of Lübeck (November 6, 1806): This was a fierce battle where French forces defeated the last large Prussian army.
The Eylau Campaign: December 2006 – February 2007
After defeating Prussia, Napoleon moved his army east into what was then eastern Prussia. Here, they faced the Russian army, which had come to help Prussia.
- Battle of Czarnowo (December 23, 1806): A French victory against Russian and Prussian forces.
- Battle of Pułtusk (December 26, 1806): A tough battle where the French won against the Russians.
- Battle of Golymin (December 26, 1806): Another French victory on the same day as Pułtusk.
- Battle of Eylau (February 7–8, 1807): This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. It was fought in a snowstorm and resulted in huge losses for both sides. Neither side truly won, making it an indecisive battle.
The Friedland Campaign: February – June 2007
After the brutal winter fighting, the war continued in the spring.
- Siege of Danzig (March 19 – May 24, 1807): French forces besieged and captured the important city of Danzig (now Gdańsk).
- Battle of Guttstadt-Deppen (June 5–6, 1807): A tactical victory for the Coalition, but the French still achieved their overall goal.
- Battle of Heilsberg (June 10, 1807): Another very bloody and indecisive battle with heavy losses for both sides.
- Battle of Friedland (June 14, 1807): This was the final and most important battle of the war. Napoleon's French army won a huge victory against the Russian army. This defeat forced Russia to seek peace.
End of the War
The War of the Fourth Coalition ended with the Treaties of Tilsit in July 1807. These treaties were signed between France, Russia, and Prussia. Prussia lost a lot of its land and power, and France became even more dominant in Europe.
List of Major Battles and Sieges
Here is a list of the main battles and sieges that took place during the War of the Fourth Coalition.
See also
- List of battles of the War of the First Coalition
- List of battles of the War of the Second Coalition
- List of battles of the War of the Third Coalition
- List of battles of the War of the Fifth Coalition
- List of battles of the Sixth Coalition
- List of battles of the Hundred Days (War of the Seventh Coalition)
Sources
