The Battle of Leipzig was an event of world-historical significance. Napoleon had also initiated significant reforms in Germany. At the same time, however, he had forced the Germans under the yoke of foreign rule, which was then broken in the Battle of Nations. In his book, Gerd Fesser initially portrays Napoleon at the height of his power and then outlines his debacle in Russia, the actions of General Yorck in Tauroggen, and the uprising of Prussia in the liberation war that began from Breslau. He then describes the armies of 1813 and the spring and autumn campaigns of that year. The depiction of the Battle of Nations forms the centerpiece of the volume. This is followed by documents related to the battle, a chapter on the contradictory reception history, and an informative little lexicon of the liberation wars. Gerd Fesser recounts the events of the year 1813.