Siege of Danzig (1813) facts for kids

The Siege of Danzig was a long fight for the city of Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland) during the War of the Sixth Coalition. This war was part of the bigger Napoleonic Wars. The siege lasted almost a year, from January 16, 1813, to January 2, 1814.

Quick facts for kids Siege of Danzig
Part of the German campaign of the Sixth Coalition
Danzig (Plan of the siege in 1813)
Date 16 January 1813 – 2 January 1814 Location Danzig, Prussia 54°22′00″N 18°38′00″E / 54.366667°N 18.633333°E / 54.366667; 18.633333 Result Prussian–Russian victory
Belligerents
French Empire Confederation of the Rhine Kingdom of Bavaria Kingdom of Saxony	Prussia Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Jean Rapp Étienne Heudelet Charles Grandjean	Duke of Württemberg Matvei Platov Fedor Levisa
Strength
35,934 including 6,000 sick and wounded and 2,600 cavalry	73,000
Casualties and losses
35,934	5,000 killed, wounded or captured

French soldiers, led by General Jean Rapp, defended Danzig. They were mostly from Napoleon's main army, the Grande Armée. Many of these soldiers were weak and sick after a difficult retreat from Russia.

The attackers were Russian and Prussian forces. They started with cossacks, who are skilled horsemen, under Hetman Matvei Platov. Later, more soldiers, including local fighters, joined the attack. In the end, the French forces surrendered to the combined armies.

Why Danzig Was Important

Danzig was a very important city. It was located where the River Vistula met the Baltic Sea. This made it a key port for trade and supplies.

A Free City

After a peace agreement in 1807 called the Treaty of Tilsit, Danzig became a "Free City." This meant it was supposed to be independent, but it was still under the control of Napoleon's France.

Supply Hub for Napoleon

The city was a huge storage area for Napoleon's army. It held large amounts of food, weapons, clothes, and ammunition. Napoleon needed to keep Danzig to supply his troops and to make sure Prussia stayed on his side. He also used it to protect his army's supply lines as he tried to rebuild his forces.

The Siege Begins

The siege started in January 1813. Russian and Prussian forces surrounded the city. They wanted to cut off Danzig from outside help.

French Defenders

General Jean Rapp commanded the French soldiers inside Danzig. His troops included two strong divisions. Many other soldiers who had been separated from their units also joined the defense. These soldiers were often sick, tired, and had lost much of their equipment.

Coalition Attackers

The attacking forces were much larger. They included Russian and Prussian soldiers. The siege was a long and difficult fight for both sides.

End of the Siege

The siege lasted almost a year. The French soldiers inside Danzig faced harsh conditions. They ran out of supplies and food.

French Surrender

Finally, on January 2, 1814, General Rapp and his French forces surrendered. This was a big victory for the Russian and Prussian armies. It helped the Coalition forces in their fight against Napoleon.

Images for kids

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  Danzig (Plan of the siege in 1813)

See also

• Sieges of Danzig
• Siege of Danzig (1807)