Description
The Battle of Sedan (September 1-2, 1870) was a decisive moment in European history. The French Imperial army had been considered the best in the world when the Franco-Prussian War broke out, but the armies of the German states under Prussian leadership won most of the initial battles.
The Army of Chalons was the last hope for Emperor Napoleon III to turn the tide, but Helmuth von Moltke’s two German armies surround and destroy it at the fortress city of Sedan. Modern command and control and the deadly firepower of the new Krupp steel artillery brings a crushing Prussian victory, in spite of sacrificial French cavalry charges and fierce house-to-house resistance. Napoleon III gives Bismarck his sword and is made prisoner, and revolution in France ushers in a republic. The Battle foreshadows some of the horrors of 20th century warfare, leads to a united Germany, which remains the most powerful state in Europe until the Second World War.
This virtual tour will explore the fateful battlefield where 330,000 men fought in desperation, and where Germany eclipsed France as a Great Power.
16 reviews for On Demand Tour: Sedan – Franco-Prussian War – 1870
Well done! One of the best I’ve seen so far. Amazing attention to detail. Would have liked to see how the army positions moved on the map rather than just their static position on the map. Outside of that, well done!
Concise, yet covering all the major elements: background history, participants, technology, geography, troop movements and, of course, the military actions. As is usual with these tours, one can’t say enough about the excellence of the work by tour guides and tour manager. Very well done!
Superb tour with clear articulate delivery. Great mix of tactical detail with contemporary descriptions. The use of modern digital maps greatly enhanced the experience; I have visited Sedan but this feature really helped fixed the locations and progress of the battle.
Thank you. Gteat tour. Good footage y=used.
Excellent tour about a seldom discussed (in the UK) but vitally important battle, leading to the eclipse of France by Germany.