In response to recurring provocations on the part of Prussia, on July 19, 1870 France declared war. Joined by the southern German states, the North German Confederation marched accord the border into Alsace, heading steadily on their march on Paris. When Napoleon III along with his 100,000 French troops were captured at Sedan, a bloodless revolution had taken place in Paris, resulting in the deposition of Napoleon III, and the establishment of a provisional government of national defense.
