History of modern times. Franco-Prussian War (most important)

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History of modern times. Franco-Prussian War (most important)

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66. FRANCO-PRUSIAN WAR

At the end of the 60s. XNUMXth century Napoleon III's empire was in a political crisis. Within the country, the liberal opposition intensified, demanding the establishment of a republic. The dissatisfaction of the French society was caused by the adventurous foreign policy and the huge military spending of the government. The policy of Emperor Napoleon III was subjected to constant sharp criticism. A government crisis developed in France - the Second Empire barely held power in the country. In this situation, Napoleon III and his entourage decided that only a victorious war with Prussia, which claimed the role of leader in Europe, could save the situation. In addition, Napoleon III believed that the war would prevent the further unification and strengthening of Germany as France's main rival on the European continent.

Bismarck, who had considered war with France inevitable since 1866, wanted the war to start as soon as possible and was looking for a pretext. But at the same time, he wanted France to be the first to unleash a war, the result of which should be the strengthening of a nationwide democratic movement for the complete unification of Germany with the voluntary entry into an alliance with Prussia of the southern German states. The pretext for aggravating German relations with France was found by Bismarck in the summer of 1870, when a dispute arose over the possession of the Spanish crown between Emperor Napoleon III and King Wilhelm I of Prussia (on the basis of succession to the throne). At the same time, Bismarck gave a false report to the newspapers that the Prussian king treated the French ambassador disrespectfully. Bismarck's false message was the casus belli.

In France, an anti-Prussian political hysteria began, in which there were many speeches demanding a declaration of war on Prussia. At the same time, opponents of the war were branded "traitors", "Prussians".

As a result, on June 19, 1870, France declared war on Prussia, despite the fact that the country was not ready for war: the defensive forts were not completed, there were few railways, there were not enough doctors and infirmaries, and mobilization was very difficult.

Prussia was better prepared for the war: firstly, mobilization took place in all states of the North German Union, secondly, the army was armed with the famous long-range Krupa guns, thirdly, transport and communications worked well, and there were sufficient provisions and ammunition . Napoleon III and Wilhelm I commanded their armies.

Having a well-armed army, Prussia began an offensive war, and France was forced to defend itself. From the very first battles, the French army suffered one defeat after another. A real disaster for the French army occurred on September 1-2 at Sedan (a place near the Belgian border), when it lost the battle and was surrounded in the Sedan fortress. After a fierce shelling of this fortress by Prussian artillery, the French army led by Emperor Napoleon III surrendered to the mercy of the winner. After the crushing defeat at Sedan, the Second French Empire ceased to exist. Prussian troops continued to advance deeper into France, and within a short time they occupied the entire northeast of the country. As a result, the Provisional Government of France signed an armistice with Prussia in January 1871 on humiliating terms. Later, a peace treaty was signed providing for the transfer of Alsace and more than a third of Lorraine to Germany, as well as the payment of 5 billion francs in indemnity, while German troops received the right to remain in northern France until it was fully paid. The French National Assembly approved these terms of the peace treaty.

Authors: Alekseev V.S., Pushkareva N.V.

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