TWT #262 –

On September 19th, 1870, the 4-month-long Siege of Paris began which led to the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian war.

Hmm, the French giving up? Not surprised.

But to be fair, France didn’t really stand a chance once the German Empire decided it wanted to expand. The entire Franco-Prussian war only lasted about 6 months (starting in July of 1870) and essentially ended any hope of a “Second French Empire.”

After a pretty devastating French defeat during the Battle of Sedan in early September, the road to Paris was wide open for Prussian forces, who basically just walked to the city uncontested.

The most embarrassing part of this story is that Paris had plenty of time to prepare…and PLENTY of troops to defend itself. The soldiers inside the city numbered over 513,000…yet they didn’t do much once their city was in danger.

One group of the French National Guard

So, on September 19th, 1870, exactly 149 years ago today, Paris was surrounded by Prussians and besieged.

There was a lot of Prussian talk around how to handle the city. Do you starve them out in a very long siege? Negotiate? Or simply bomb them to hell?

Alas Prussia chose the siege.

Over the next several months that large garrison of Parisian forces did put up a few fights, most of which were swiftly defeated. But a few French attacks were successful and some small outposts were retaken.

However, by the time January of 1871 came around, the French were literally serving rats and zoo animals in restaurants…so they were pretty much ready to negotiate.

And thus, by the end of January the siege was over and the French had surrendered.

Classic.

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