Battle of Dresden
Dresden, Saxony, Germany
What happened
Napoleon fought the allied Army of Bohemia under Karl von Schwarzenberg, with the emperors of Russia and Austria and the king of Prussia present. The allies attacked the southern edge of Dresden, held by Marshal Saint-Cyr. Napoleon arrived with reinforcements and counterattacked. After a night of heavy rain, French cavalry cut off the allied left wing, and the allies withdrew south.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Napoleon won despite being outnumbered, but the allies were not broken. A historian said the battle 're-established' the legend of French invincibility.
What came next
Three days later a French corps was trapped and forced to surrender at Kulm. The allies regrouped for the Battle of Leipzig.
Did you know?
Napoleon's old rival General Moreau, back from exile in America to advise the allies, was mortally wounded here.
Timeline
- 26 August 1813The allies attack Dresden.
- 27 August 1813Napoleon's counterattack wins the battle.
- 2 September 1813Moreau dies at Louny.