Battle of Friedland
Polish Campaign (Fourth Coalition) · Friedland, East Prussia (present-day Pravdinsk, Russia)
Summary
The Battle of Friedland opposed Napoleon's French forces to Bennigsen's Russian army, which had imprudently engaged with the Alle River at its back. After a tenacious defense led by Lannes in the morning, Napoleon arrived with the bulk of his forces, launched a massive attack on the Russian left flank, and crushed the enemy army. Victory was total, sealing the end of the campaign.
Historical context
After indecisive Eylau (February 1807), Bennigsen resumed the offensive in East Prussia. Napoleon concentrated the Grande Armée for decisive battle. Friedland, where Russians camped along the Alle with their backs to the river, offered Napoleon an exceptional tactical opportunity to destroy an enemy army.
Tactics
Lannes delayed the enemy on the left bank until Napoleon's arrival. The army was deployed in successive echelons. Ney launched a powerful attack on the Russian left flank while Victor and the Guard attacked the center. Murat's cavalry cut off retreat. Russians were driven toward the Alle River where many drowned.
Consequences
The crushing defeat prompted Alexander I to request an armistice. Napoleon and the tsar met at Tilsit on 7 July 1807. The resulting treaty redrew Europe: Prussia was amputated, Poland was reborn through the Duchy of Warsaw, and Russia became momentarily allied with France.