Battle of Lützen

Arc de Triomphe: LUTZEN

May 2, 1813

Facing a combined army of Russia and Prussia, Napoleon was determined to retain the initiative and advanced his army across the river Saale towards Leipzig. Russian General Wittgenstein saw isolated French units near Lützen and launched an attack. Once Napoleon realized what was happening, he immediately ordered the other corps to march on Lützen as quickly as possible while hoping that the exposed units could hold the enemy in place. As more French corps arrived and took up position, the Russians and Prussians didn't stand a chance. They retreated from the field, but the lack of French cavalry prevented the French from exploiting the victory.

Bibliography

Chandler, David G. Dictionary of the Napoleonic Wars. New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1979.
Smith, Digby. The Greenhill Napoleonic Wars Data Book. London: Greenhill Books: 1998.

Updated March 2014