History
The War of 1870
The Franco-Prussian War, which lasted from July 1870 to the end of January 1871, brought about the downfall of the Second Empire. This war pitted France against the Kingdom of Prussia. On July 19, 1870, France declared war on Prussia.
"They must know what we went through in 1870 and strive to erase it from memory."
French General Niox, June 1, 1896.
- Situation
- Collective memory
- Key dates
Situation
Germany mobilized 460,000 men and 1,500 guns on the front line and organized them into three armies. General Steinmetz led the first army, along with Prince Frederick Charles for the second army and Prince Frederick for the third, who was the son of King William.
France had a workforce of 375,000 active troops and 175,000 reserve troops. These young people, who were fit to serve or supervise the troops, had not received instructions. The length of military service was 5 years, with 4 years in the army reserve.
Photo credit, courtesy of M. Patrick Demerb - www.laguerrede1870
Collective memory
The Franco-Prussian War left marks in the collective memory. The Prussian soldiers had entered Vignacourt on horseback, wearing their pointed helmets. These facts have been passed on to us from generation to generation.
In an 1870 circular, the regional prefect specified: "If the Prussian horsemen are sighted, ring the bell to alert the police force" (National Guard, firemen).
On the outskirts, rumors circulated that the enemy was at Vignacourt with cannons at the end of January 1871.
Photo credit private collection.
Key dates
Battle of Wissembourg – August 4, 1870
Battle of Froeschwiller-Wœrth – August 6, 1870
Battle of Forbach (or Spicheren) – August 6, 1870
Borny – August 14, 1870 – Metz
Rezonville – August 16, 1870 – Metz
Saint-Privat – August 18, 1870 – Metz
Battle of Beaumont – August 30, 1870
Battle of Bazeilles – August 31, 1870
Battle of Sedan – September 1, 1870
Fights of Artenay – October 10, 1870
Ham – November 19, 20, 21, 1870
Amiens – Villers-Bretonneux – November 27, 1870
Battle of Loigny – 2 December 1870
Battle of Hallue – 23, 24 December 1870
Bapaume – 3rd January 1871
Saint-Quentin – January 19 1871