When did the Battle of La Rothière take place?
The Battle of La Rothière was fought on the 1st of February 1814. It was part of the War of the Sixth Coalition during the final campaign in France before Napoleon's abdication.
Questions about Battle of La Rothière
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the forces at the Battle of La Rothière?
Napoleon led the French army. The Coalition forces were under the overall command of Field Marshal Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg, but Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher was given tactical control of the fighting.
How many troops fought at the Battle of La Rothière?
The French fielded approximately 45,000 men with 128 guns. The Allies engaged around 80,000-85,000 troops with 200 guns, drawn from forces that totaled over 100,000 men available on the day.
Who won the Battle of La Rothière?
The Coalition won a clear victory. Historian Digby Smith called it "a very significant Allied victory" and David G. Chandler wrote that the battle "had been a tactical defeat for the Emperor."
What were the French losses at the Battle of La Rothière?
Historian Digby Smith put French losses at 4,600 killed and wounded plus 1,000 soldiers and 73 guns captured. David G. Chandler assigned 6,000 casualties to each side and noted 50 French artillery pieces taken.
What happened after the Battle of La Rothière?
The French retreated to Troyes, losing around 4,000 more soldiers to desertion along the way. The Coalition failed to pursue effectively, and Schwarzenberg separated the two main Allied armies. By the 10th of February, Napoleon's 30,000 men struck back at Champaubert, virtually wiping out Olsufiev's isolated corps.