Napoleon defeated by the Sixth Coalition at the Battle of Leipzig

Background. Following the devastation of the 1812 Russian campaign, France rebuilt a massive army. The Coalition, including Prussia, Russia, and Sweden, adopted the Trachenberg Plan to defeat Napoleon. Prussia declared war on France in March 1813, while Austrian forces joined the Coalition in August. These strategic shifts set the stage for the decisive engagement at Leipzig.

Scale and Outcome. The battle involved about 560,000 soldiers and 2,200 artillery pieces, resulting in 133,000 casualties. The allies trapped and encircled Napoleon, securing a decisive victory. This defeat contributed to the loss of half a million troops in the German campaign. The Confederation of the Rhine dissolved, allowing Prussia to regain its status as a great power.

Political Consequences. The defeat at Leipzig accelerated the collapse of Napoleon's empire. The Coalition armies pressed their advantage, invading France in early 1814. This military pressure forced Napoleon to abdicate in April 1814, leading to his exile to Elba. The battle also facilitated the formation of the German Confederation in 1815.