The Russians and Prussians occupied Dresden, but Napoleon defeated their combined army at the battles of Lützen (May 2) and Bautzen (May 20). Napoleon, having suffered heavy casualties, agreed to allow Metternich to attempt to mediate peace between the two sides.
Congress of Prague: Participants tried to establish the peace, but Napoleon declined all proffered terms. As a result, Austria declared war on France, joining Prussia, Russia, Britain, Spain, and Sweden (under Crown Prince Bernadotte, in return for recognition of the annexation of Norway). The allies adopted a strategy of avoiding battles when Napoleon was present. Britain agreed to subsidies for Prussia and Russia (June 15 Treaty at Reichenbach).
The allies defeated the other French generals as follows: Oudinot and Reynier at Grossbeeren (Aug. 23); MacDonald at the Katzbach (Aug. 26); Vandamme at Kulm (Aug. 30); Ney at Dennewitz (Sept. 6).
Battle of Leipzig, or the Battle of the Nations. Finally, the allies converged on Napoleon at Leipzig. They had a complete victory after nine hours; the French army was driven back to the gates of Leipzig. Napoleon crossed the Rhine, and, in Nov., the remaining members of the Confederation of the Rhine joined the allies. On Nov. 9, the allies offered Napoleon peace. When Napoleon failed to accept, the allies (Dec. 1) adopted a resolution to prosecute the war vigorously and invade France. Meanwhile, the Dutch rose in revolt and expelled the French officials (Nov. 15).
