1-148-834 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

General Bourbaki's defeated French army in Switzerland, February 1871. Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871. Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871. After his attempt to break the Prussian line at Belfort had ended in disaster, with the loss of 10,000 men, on 30 January-1 February 1871 General Bourbaki retreated with his defeated army of about 80,000 into Switzerland. During the retreat Bourbaki attempted suicide. After crossing the border, the remnants of his army were disarmed and imprisoned by the neutral Swiss.