Napoleon's Eylau-Friedland Campaign

Campaign Name : Napoleon's Eylau-Friedland Campaign

Date(s) : 28 November 1806 - 27 July 1807

Part of : The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars , French War of the Fourth Coalition ,

Summary

Napoleon's planning for this campaign began even before Blucher's troops had been hunted down after Jena-Auerstadt. Russia had not done a great deal towards the coalition, expecting the dreaded Prussians to defeat Napoleon. Consequently Russian mobilisation and logistic preparation had been slow. Most of the French activity had been in western and northern Germany but now Napoleon turned eastwards. After a series of brilliant manoeuvers, engagements and at least one knife edged battle the French reached the boarders of Russia.The battle of Friedland was an overwhelming French victory which forced the Coalition allies to sue for peace. Both Russia [7 July 1807] and Prussia [9 July 1807] signed peace treaties. Napoleon left for Paris on the 27th July having been absent from his capital for ten months. The Fourth coalition was over with Britain being left as the only undefeated French opponent.