Battles & Campaigns · 1814
Battle of Champaubert
Champaubert, Marne, France
What happened
Napoleon and Marshal Marmont attacked an isolated Russian corps under Zakhar Olsufiev. Blücher's allied army was spread out on the road to Paris. Napoleon struck at a small Russian corps that had become cut off. After a stubborn defence the Russians were broken, and Olsufiev was captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It opened Napoleon's Six Days' Campaign, four victories in six days. It showed how a divided army could be beaten piece by piece.
What came next
Napoleon turned west and won at Montmirail the next day, then at Château-Thierry and Vauchamps.
Did you know?
Olsufiev is said to have been captured by a 19-year-old French conscript with less than six months' service.
Timeline
- 10 February 1814Battle of Champaubert.
- 11 February 1814Battle of Montmirail.
- 14 February 1814Battle of Vauchamps.