Truce of Pläswitz facts for kids

The Truce of Pläswitz was a temporary stop in fighting during the Napoleonic Wars. It was agreed upon by Napoleon I of France and the Allied forces on June 4, 1813. This truce, also known as an armistice, lasted for nine weeks. It happened while the Battle of Luckau was taking place in another area.

Why Did They Agree to a Truce?

The idea for the truce came from Metternich, a key figure for the Allies. His army was retreating into Silesia after a battle. Napoleon also wanted the truce. He needed time to make his army stronger, especially his cavalry. He also wanted to rest his soldiers and try to make a separate peace deal with Russia. Napoleon also hoped to scare Austria by moving his Army of Italy closer to them.

The Allies were happy to agree to the truce. It gave them time to convince Austria to join their side. They also needed to get more money from Britain and let their tired Imperial Russian Army rest.

What Was Agreed?

As part of the truce, Napoleon was given control of all of Saxony. In return, the Allies received land along the Oder River. The truce was first set to end on July 10, but it was later extended until August 10.

What Happened During the Truce?

The time bought by the truce was very important. During this period, the Landwehr (a type of citizen army) was called into action. Metternich also finished the Treaty of Reichenbach on June 27. This treaty stated that Austria would join the Allies if Napoleon did not meet certain conditions by a specific date.

The End of the Truce

Napoleon did not meet the conditions set by the treaty. Because of this, the Truce of Pläswitz was allowed to end without being renewed. Austria then declared war on Napoleon on August 12. Napoleon later said that agreeing to this armistice was the biggest mistake of his life.

Sources

• https://archive.org/stream/evolutionofpruss00marruoft/evolutionofpruss00marruoft_djvu.txt
• Leggiere, Napoleon and Berlin, p86-87