Battle of Großbeeren: Prussians and Swedes halt the advance on Berlin (1813)

The Battle of Großbeeren occurred on 23 August 1813, marking a Coalition victory against French forces. Prussian III Corps under Bülow defeated the Franco-Saxon VII Corps under Reynier. The engagement resulted from Napoleon's failed attempt to capture Berlin, hindered by swamps, rain, and Oudinot's illness.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Following the Battle of Bautzen in May 1813, a seven-week truce allowed both sides to prepare. When the campaign resumed in August, Napoleon ordered an offensive to take Berlin. However, the swamps south of Berlin, combined with rain and Marshal Oudinot's ill health, contributed significantly to the French defeat.

Engagement. The battle took place on 23 August 1813 in neighboring Blankenfelde and Sputendorf. Prussian III Corps under Friedrich von Bülow fought the Franco-Saxon VII Corps under Jean Reynier. This was a Coalition victory against a French Army without Napoleon present.

Strategic Context. The German campaign of 1813 involved the Sixth Coalition, including Prussia, Russia, and Sweden, fighting against Napoleon. The Trachenberg Plan established a single allied strategy. Prussia declared war on France in March 1813, and Swedish forces under Crown Prince Charles John participated in the summer of 1813.

People involved

Sources

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