The Siege of Paris was a pivotal moment in the Franco-Prussian War, which began in July 1870 and lasted until May 1871. As Prussian forces advanced toward Paris, the French government, led by the Third Republic, was reluctant to surrender, hoping for relief or a shift in the war's momentum. Over the months of siege from September 1870 to January 1871, the situation in Paris became dire as supplies dwindled, and the population suffered through harsh winter conditions. The German military strategy, characterized by effective siege warfare, led to mounting pressure on the French government. Negotiations for peace commenced as conditions worsened for Parisians, marked by shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. The decision to capitulate was described in the context of national humbling and military defeat. On January 28, 1871, French representatives signed the armistice, effectively ending hostilities in the Paris region. This event marked a crucial transition, culminating in the Treaty of Frankfurt in May 1871, which formalized France's defeat and resulted in significant territorial losses including Alsace and parts of Lorraine. The ensuing German Empire was proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles on January 18, 1871, symbolizing the dramatic shift in the balance of power in Europe.