The Siege of Metz began in August 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, as the German forces encircled the French city of Metz. This siege was characterized by fierce combat and strategic maneuvers from both sides, culminating in the eventual encirclement of French forces under Marshal Nicolas Bazaine. Bazaine found himself in a precarious position as supplies dwindled and morale plummeted among his troops. The Prussian Army, under the command of notable leaders like Helmuth von Moltke, established an effective blockade and launched a series of assaults on the French defenses.

By late October, after months of relentless pressure, Bazaine's options were severely limited. With no hope of relief from the French government, which was struggling to mobilize more troops amid the chaos of the war, Bazaine made the difficult decision to surrender. On October 27, he capitulated, bringing an end to the nearly two-month siege. The surrender resulted in the capture of approximately 140,000 French soldiers, marking one of the largest surrenders in military history. This substantial loss was a devastating blow to French military pride and strategic viability in the war.

In the aftermath, the surrender at Metz amplified the momentum of German forces throughout France, as it not only eliminated a significant portion of French troops but also served as a symbol of French military miscalculations during the war. The fall of Metz was pivotal in the Prussian strategy to ultimately achieve the unification of Germany, influencing the course of European politics for decades to come.