The capitulation of Marshal Bazaine's force at Metz was the last critical action of which war?
Siege of Metz (1870) Siege of Metz (1870) The Siege of Metz lasting from 19 August – 27 October 1870 was fought during the Franco-Prussian War and ended in a decisive Prussian victory. After being held at the Battle of Gravelotte, Marshal Bazaine retreated into the defenses of Metz. There he was besieged by over 150,000 Prussian troops of the First and Second Armies on 19 August. Napoleon III and Marshal Patrice de MacMahon formed the new French Army of Châlons, to march on to Metz to rescue Bazaine. Napoleon III personally led the army with Marshal MacMahon in attendance. The Army of Châlons
François Achille Bazaine defense means available to the defendant. However, the same tribunal, which just condemned him, signed unanimously and sent to the President of France (and the Minister of War) a request of mercy in regards to "M. Marshal Bazaine". His sentence was commuted then to 20 years in prison, without degradation ceremony, by the new President-Marshal MacMahon, who also was beaten at Sedan. This inspired Victor Hugo the following comment : « Mac-Mahon absolves Bazaine. Sedan washes Metz. The idiot protects the traitor ». He was incarcerated at a Fort. However, with the help of ex-Captain Doineau, Arab Bureaux, his aide