Battle of Lübeck

Seeking to escape encirclement, Blücher attempted to take refuge in Lübeck, a free and neutral city. The French forced entry into the city despite protests from authorities and fought in the streets. Fighting was intense and ended in Prussian capitulation.

After the defeats at Jena, Auerstedt, and successive surrenders (Prenzlau, Pasewalk), Blücher attempted to join Swedish forces via Lübeck. But French corps converged rapidly and prevented him from crossing the Trave.

Bernadotte attacked from the west while Murat encircled the city. French troops engaged in house-to-house street fighting. Artillery was used to destroy improvised defenses. Blücher attempted breakthroughs but was repulsed on all fronts.

The defeat at Lübeck completed the annihilation of the Prussian army. Blücher was forced to surrender two days later at Ratekau (7 November). Prussia was now militarily neutralized. The campaign then shifted toward Poland against the Russians.