Siege of Torgau facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Torgau
Part of the War of the Sixth Coalition
Plan of the siege of Torgau
Date 18 October 1813 – 10 January 1814 Location Torgau, Saxony 51°34′30″N 12°55′30″E / 51.57500°N 12.92500°E / 51.57500; 12.92500 Result Prussian victory
Belligerents
Prussia	French Empire
Commanders and leaders
Bogislav von Tauntzien	Louis, comte de Narbonne-Lara Adrien Jean-Baptiste du Bosc
Strength
23,000	24,650
Casualties and losses
Minimal	24,650

The Siege of Torgau was a long fight for control of a strong fortress during the War of the Sixth Coalition. This war was a big conflict where many European countries fought against Napoleon's French Empire. The siege happened from October 18, 1813, to January 10, 1814. During this time, Prussian soldiers surrounded the French-held fortress of Torgau, located in Saxony, until the French had to give up.

What Was Torgau?

The town of Torgau had a very important fortress. It was built on both sides of the Elbe River in Germany. This fortress was a main storage place for weapons and supplies for the Kingdom of Saxony. A famous engineer named Ernst Ludwig von Aster designed it.

In the spring of 1813, French troops took over the fortress. It became a safe place for them. After the Battle of Dennewitz, Torgau helped the French army retreat safely.

Why Torgau Was Important

Torgau was key for controlling the middle part of the Elbe River. It was also important for launching attacks against Prussia. However, during a break in fighting called the Armistice of Pläswitz, the French didn't gather enough food and supplies for the fortress. This would cause problems later.

The Siege Begins

After the huge Battle of Leipzig in October 1813, the Prussian army turned its attention to Torgau. About 23,000 Prussian soldiers, led by General Bogislav Friedrich Emanuel von Tauentzien, surrounded the fortress.

Many French soldiers and officials who were fleeing the Battle of Leipzig also rushed into Torgau. This made the number of people inside the fortress grow from 6,000 to about 30,000. On top of that, there were around 11,000 wounded soldiers in the hospitals inside Torgau.

French Commanders and Challenges

The French commander of the fortress was Louis, comte de Narbonne-Lara. Sadly, he became sick with typhus, a serious disease, and died on November 17. After his death, General Adrien Jean-Baptiste du Bosc took command.

The large number of people inside the fortress, combined with the lack of supplies, made conditions very difficult. Diseases like typhus spread quickly among the crowded soldiers and civilians.

The Surrender

The Prussian forces heavily bombarded the fortress. This means they fired many cannons and other weapons at Torgau. The French soldiers inside were weakened by the constant attacks, hunger, and sickness.

Finally, on December 23, the weakened French forces under General du Bosc had to surrender. They gave up without any conditions. On January 10, 1814, about 7,200 French soldiers were taken prisoner. Another 2,400 remained in the hospitals, too sick or wounded to be moved. The Siege of Torgau ended with a victory for the Prussians.