Battle of Friedland: Napoleon defeats Bennigsen

Background. The engagement at Friedland was a strategic necessity after the Battle of Eylau earlier in 1807 had failed to yield a decisive verdict for either side. Bennigsen, who had fought Napoleon with distinction at Eylau, was suffering from ill-health at Friedland. The battle began when Bennigsen noticed the seemingly isolated reserve corps of Marshal Lannes at the town of Friedland.

Commanders. The battle was led by Napoleon I for the French Empire and General Levin August von Bennigsen for the Russian Empire. Bennigsen had previously fought Napoleon with distinction at the Battle of Eylau, where he claimed to have inflicted the first reverse suffered by Napoleon. However, suffering from ill-health, Bennigsen was subsequently defeated at Friedland several months later.

Outcome. The engagement resulted in a crushing defeat for Bennigsen's Russian army. This victory was a major engagement of the Napoleonic Wars. The direct consequence of the defeat at Friedland was the treaty of Tilsit, which marked a significant shift in the conflict between France and Russia.