War of the Sixth Coalition

Beginning in September 1814, the Congress of Vienna met to redraw the European map and establish lasting peace after Napoleon’s defeat. This diplomatic milestone reshaped national borders, delivered compensation and set the stage for European stability.

On May 30, 1814, the Treaty of Paris was signed in Paris, officially ending the War of the Sixth Coalition. The treaty restored France’s 1792 borders and finalized the exile of Napoleon, ushering in a new era in European diplomacy.

On April 11, 1814, Napoleon abdicated the French throne and the Treaty of Fontainebleau was signed, effectively ending hostilities. He was exiled to Elba, and the Bourbon monarchy was restored in France.

Between March 20 and 31, 1814, Coalition forces invaded France and captured Paris. The fall of the capital collapsed Napoleon’s government, paving the way for his abdication and exile.

On November 4, 1813, following the defeat at Leipzig, the Confederation of the Rhine — a coalition of German states allied to Napoleon — was dissolved, ending French influence over much of Germany and bolstering the Coalition’s position.

From October 16 to 19, 1813, the Battle of Leipzig (Battle of the Nations) marked a decisive defeat for Napoleon. Coalition forces of Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Sweden encircled his army, leading to catastrophic French losses and the end of French dominance east of the Rhine.

On August 26–27, 1813, Napoleon achieved a hard‑fought victory at the Battle of Dresden, defeating the Coalition’s larger forces. Though a notable success, the victory did not reverse his strategic situation and Coalition forces soon regenerated their strength.

On June 26, 1813, Austria broke its neutrality and officially joined the Sixth Coalition against Napoleon. This expanded the Coalition’s strength dramatically and marked a turning point in the European balance of power.

From May 20 to 21, 1813, Napoleon achieved another victory at the Battle of Bautzen over Russo‑Prussian forces. Despite winning, heavy casualties and failure to destroy the enemy meant the Coalition remained intact and continued resisting French advances.

On May 2, 1813, Napoleon scored a tactical victory against the combined Russo‑Prussian army at the Battle of Lützen. However, his lack of cavalry and logistical limitations prevented a decisive breakthrough, and the Coalition quickly regrouped.

On February 28, 1813, Prussia and Russia formalized their alliance against Napoleon by signing the Treaty of Kalisch. The treaty committed both powers not to negotiate separately with France and marked the official founding of the Sixth Coalition.

On December 31, 1812, Prussian General Ludwig Yorck von Wartenburg signed the Convention of Tauroggen (armistice) with the Russians, effectively beginning Prussia’s defection from Napoleon’s alliance. This bold move signaled the collapse of Napoleon’s hold over German allies and laid the foundation for the formation of the Sixth Coalition against him.