The Battle of Woerth, 6 August 1870.
Abstract
The battle which took place around the insignificant town of Woerth in the much disputed Alsace-Lorraine region of Europe pitted the forces of France against the forces of a newly United Germany in what was a precursor of events which would become known as the debacle of 1870-71. Prussian, having decisively defeated Austria in 1866, was the leader of a German Confederation which existed in fact for the first time even though the confederation in name had existed for many years. The battle is deserving of study because many of the factors which controlled the outcome are sufficiently universal to be applicable to war. The initial advance gained by the Germans because of the work of the Prussian General Staff before the war becomes apparent. The part played by the same staff in the execution of the battle is most instructive and at the same time sobering. The reliance of the French upon the fighting spirit of their soldiers, and their subsequent misuse of their cavalry, is shown to be fatal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA182841
Entities
People
- Anthony P. Pyrz
Organizations
- United States Army War College