On 10 October, hostilities began between German and French republican forces near Orléans. At first, the Germans were victorious but the French drew reinforcements and defeated the Germans at the Battle of Coulmiers on 9 November. After the surrender of Metz, more than 100,000 well-trained and experienced German troops joined the German 'Southern Army'. The French were forced to abandon Orléans on 4 December, and were finally defeated at the Battle of Le Mans (10–12 January). A second French army which operated north of Paris was turned back at the Battle of Amiens (27 November), the Battle of Bapaume (3 January 1871) and the Battle of St. Quentin (13 January). COUNT 5
QSN1 On which date did hostilities between the German and French troops begin near Orleans? ANS1 10 October QSN2 Which side was initially successful at the Battle of Coulmiers? ANS2 the Germans QSN3 On which date did the French triump over the Germans at the Battle of Coulmiers? ANS3 9 November QSN4 On which date were the French forced to abandon Orleans? ANS4 4 December QSN5 Of the three battles that occured north of Paris, which was the first that forced the French army to retreat? ANS5 Battle of Amiens