Battles & Campaigns · 1814
Battle of Bar-sur-Aube
Bar-sur-Aube, Aube, France
What happened
In 1814 the Allies had invaded France. Napoleon turned north to fight Blücher's army, telling his marshals to act as if he were still with them. Schwarzenberg tested this and attacked Oudinot at Bar-sur-Aube, while many French troops and guns were stuck on the far side of the Aube River.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The Allied victory forced MacDonald back over the Aube. Schwarzenberg could then gather his army at Troyes and control the Seine crossings.
What came next
MacDonald kept retreating for several days. A month later the Allies won at Fère-Champenoise, and Paris surrendered on 31 March.
Did you know?
Napoleon's order that his marshals pretend he was still with them was a deliberate trick.
Timeline
- 17 February 1814Napoleon wins at Montereau.
- 27 February 1814Battle of Bar-sur-Aube.
- 25 March 1814Battle of Fère-Champenoise.
- 31 March 1814Paris surrenders.