Mobilization
Mobilizes the First Army in the north
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1870 in Germany — Page 2
Explore 143 historical events and records for Germany in 1870.
Historical records for Germany in 1870
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 143 unique records.
143Unique records
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23Named events on this page
8Named people on this page
16Places on this page
July
Second Army
Mobilizes the Second Army in the centre
Mobilization
Sets out as a major-general with William to command the armies in the field
Mobilization
Sets out from Berlin to assume command of his armies in the field
Alliance Agreement with The Protestant House of Hohenzollern that
The Government of French Emperor Napoleon III voiced concern over a possible Spanish alliance with the Protestant House of Hohenzollern that ruled the Kingdom of Prussia, protested against it, and hinted about a war.
French were not yet satisfied with this and demanded further commitments
The French were not yet satisfied with this and demanded further commitments, especially a guarantee by the Prussian king that no member of any branch of his Hohenzollern family would ever be a candidate for the Spanish throne
Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Candidacy
Following the protests by France, Leopold had withdrawn his acceptance in July 1870. This was already considered a diplomatic defeat for Prussia.
Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Candidacy
In early 1870, the German Prince Leopold, of the Roman Catholic cadet branch Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, had been offered the vacant Spanish throne.
Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Candidacy
The French were not yet satisfied with this and demanded further commitments, especially a guarantee by the Prussian king that no member of any branch of his Hohenzollern family would ever be a candidate for the Spanish throne
Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Candidacy
The Government of French Emperor Napoleon III voiced concern over a possible Spanish alliance with the Protestant House of Hohenzollern that ruled the Kingdom of Prussia, protested against it, and hinted about a war.
In early 1870, the German Prince Leopold, of the Roman Catholic cadet
In early 1870, the German Prince Leopold, of the Roman Catholic cadet branch Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, had been offered the vacant Spanish throne.
Withdrawal Negotiations
Following the protests by France, Leopold had withdrawn his acceptance in July 1870. This was already considered a diplomatic defeat for Prussia.
August
Battle of Wissembourg
Leads the Third Army in victory at Wissembourg.
Battle of Worth
At Worth the German 3rd Army loses 10,500 killed to the French 11,000 under MacMahon
Siege of Worth
At Worth the German 3rd Army loses 10,500 killed to the French 11,000 under MacMahon
Third Army
At Worth the German 3rd Army loses 10,500 killed to the French 11,000 under MacMahon
Battle of Worth
Defeats MacMahon's forces in the early campaign.
Battle of Mars-la-Tour
Bazaine is forced back to Metz
Battle of Rezonville
Bazaine is forced back to Metz
Battle of Vionville
Bazaine is forced back to Metz
Battle of Gravelotte
Commands the siege at the hamlet of St Privatla Montaigne
Battle of Gravelotte
Commands the Prussian forces which defeat the French under bazaine
September
Battle of Sedan
Present in battle as a Major General, victory leads to the German fall of Paris
Battle of Sedan
Participates in the victory that captures Napoleon III.
Battle of Sedan
Commands the Third Army during the decisive campaign against France.
Battle of Sedan
French defeat followed by the fall of Paris. Deputed by William to accept the surrender of the French. Commands a hill top over the Meuse valley looking into Sedan 2 miles away. Arrives with 150,000 , travelling 50 miles in 3 days through the Argonne Forest
Battle of Sedan
Commands, with Moltke his right hand man, a victory which leads to the fall of Paris
Siege of Paris
Commands, with Moltke his right hand man, a victory which leads to the fall of Paris
Second Address on the Franco-Prussian War
Drafts the International's second address after the fall of Napoleon III and proclamation of the French Republic.
Battle of Metz
Begins to besiege Bazaine at Metz
Peace
Favre requests an honourable peace from Bismarck who demands Alsace, Metz & Strasburg
Siege of Paris
Favre requests an honourable peace from Bismarck who demands Alsace, Metz & Strasburg
Siege of Paris
Paris is surrounded, Moltke believes it can be starved out in 6 weeks
Siege of Paris
Moltke & the Crown Prince join forces at St-Germain-en-Laye
October
Siege of Paris
Moves the Royal HQ from Ferrieres to the Royal Palace until the following Jan
Battle of Metz
Forces Bazaine to surrender
Capture of Metz
Made Field Marshal after the capture of Metz
November
Unification
Baden & Hesse join the Confederation of Germany
Unification
Germany is united under a single Confederation
Battle of Beaunne-La-Rolande
Defeats General Crouzat
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.