Battle of Brienne

The Battle of Brienne opposed Napoleon to Blücher's Russo-Prussian troops in an attempt to divide enemy forces before they could regroup. Napoleon attacked vigorously and surprised the enemy, but Blücher, well entrenched, managed to withdraw in good order despite heavy losses. The town was taken, but the strategic objective of cutting enemy armies failed.

In early 1814 the Allies crossed the Rhine and invaded France. Napoleon, with inferior and poorly supplied forces, sought to intercept and defeat enemy columns separately. Brienne was a symbolic target (Napoleon had studied there) but also strategic. The objective was to surprise Blücher before junction with Schwarzenberg's Austrians.

Napoleon engaged a rapid frontal attack, supported by Victor's infantry and Grouchy's cavalry. Terrain was difficult, frozen and snowy. Fighting concentrated around Brienne castle. Ney led a decisive attack at dusk that forced Blücher to retreat at night. Lack of effective pursuit allowed the enemy to regroup later.

Although Napoleon took Brienne, he failed to prevent coalition forces reuniting a few days later at La Rothière. The battle marked the beginning of the Campaign of France, one of Napoleon's most brilliant tactically despite its unfavorable outcome. Enemy losses temporarily slowed their advance.