Garibaldi's volunteers win the Battle of Dijon, January 1871 (1871)

Giuseppe Garibaldi's Army of the Vosges engaged Prussian troops in Dijon in January 1871. After a late December evacuation order, the army returned to hold the city. The battle resumed on January 21, 1871, with fighting continuing sporadically until January 31. Despite initial resistance, Prussian forces regained control of Dijon on February 1, 1871, coinciding with the broader end of the war.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Army of the Vosges was a volunteer force placed under the command of Giuseppe Garibaldi, formed to ensure the defense of the road to Lyon from the Prussian Army during the Franco-Prussian War. Garibaldi had previously led volunteer forces with great success during the unification of Italy and had also fought in South America. In late December 1870, General von Werder ordered that Dijon be evacuated, setting the stage for the January 1871 battle.

Pre-Battle Context. Garibaldi considered returning to Dijon to regain control from the Prussians. The decision was made for the Army of the Vosges, along with other French forces, to return to Dijon, which had become unoccupied, and hold the city once more. This strategic move preceded the resumption of fighting in January 1871.

Battle Outcome. The battle for the Army of the Vosges resumed on January 21, 1871. Fighting continued sporadically until January 31, 1871. However, the Prussians once again held Dijon beginning the morning of February 1, 1871. The French government surrendered Paris to the German army at the end of January 1871, bringing the war to a close.

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Sources

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