Siege of Graudenz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Siege of Graudenz |
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| Part of the War of the Fourth Coalition | |||||||
 Map of the siege of Graudenz in 1807 |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
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 Kingdom of Prussia |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Marie François Rouyer Claude Victor-Perrin Johann Georg Schäffer von Bernstein Georg Friedrich August von Polenz |
 Wilhelm René de l'Homme de Courbière |
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| Strength | |||||||
| variable 7,000 |
4,500-5,709 men | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 761 dead 88 captured 53 missing 826 deserted |
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The Siege of Graudenz was a long fight during the Napoleonic Wars. It happened between January 22 and December 11, 1807. A "siege" is when an army surrounds a place to cut off supplies and force it to surrender.
This siege was part of the War of the Fourth Coalition. In this war, the French Empire and its friends fought against the Prussian army. The French army tried to capture the strong fortress (a heavily protected military base) at Graudenz in West Prussia.
The Prussian soldiers defending the fortress were called the "garrison." They were led by General Wilhelm René de l'Homme de Courbière. They managed to hold out for about 11 months! This was even after the war officially ended with the Peace of Tilsit treaty. The French finally gave up the siege when the new borders were set. Graudenz stayed part of Prussia until after World War I.
Contents
What Was the War of the Fourth Coalition?
The War of the Fourth Coalition was a big conflict in Europe. It involved France and its allies fighting against a group of countries. These countries included Prussia, Russia, Saxony, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
The war started in October 1806. It was part of the larger Napoleonic Wars, which were a series of major wars led by Napoleon Bonaparte of France.
Why Was Graudenz Important?
Graudenz was a very important fortress. It was located in a key area of Prussia. Controlling Graudenz meant controlling important routes and protecting the surrounding lands.
The fortress was well-built and had strong defenses. This made it very difficult for the French army to capture it.
How Did the Siege Happen?
The French army and their allies surrounded Graudenz. This meant they cut off all ways for supplies or help to reach the Prussian soldiers inside. This is called a "blockade."
The French tried to attack the fortress many times. They also tried to wear down the Prussian defenders. However, the Prussian soldiers fought very bravely and did not give up.
Who Fought in the Siege?
On one side were the forces of the First French Empire. They were joined by soldiers from the Grand Duchy of Hesse, the Electorate of Saxony, and Polish insurgents. Their main commanders were Marie François Rouyer and Claude Victor-Perrin.
On the other side were the Prussian defenders. They were led by General Wilhelm René de l'Homme de Courbière.
How Long Did the Siege Last?
The siege lasted for almost a year. It began on January 22, 1807, and ended on December 11, 1807. This was a very long time for a siege.
The Prussians continued to defend Graudenz even after the Peace of Tilsit was signed in July 1807. This treaty officially ended the war between France and Prussia. However, the French still wanted to take Graudenz.
Why Did the French Give Up?
The French army eventually stopped the siege. This happened after the borders between Prussia and the new Duchy of Warsaw were decided. The Duchy of Warsaw was a new state created by Napoleon.
Graudenz remained a Prussian possession. The long defense of the fortress showed the strength and determination of the Prussian soldiers.
See also
- Battle of Grudziądz
- Battle of Grudziądz (1659)
