1-151-854 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Prussian troops at the siege of Paris, Franco-Prussian War, December 1870. Prussian soldiers before Paris waiting for a sortie by the besieged French. One rifleman, bayonet fixed, keeps watch while his companions enjoy a meal and a smoke on a cold, snowy winter's night. After the disastrous defeat of the French at Sedan and the capture of Napoleon III, the Prussians surrounded Paris on 9 September 1870. The city held out despite famine and great hardship until 28 January 1871. An attempt to break out from the city was made at Mont-Valerien on 19 January 1871, but was unsuccessful.