The Siege of Allenstein: January 1862
The Russian Empire under Tsar Alexander III was eager to try and establish their authority over the people. Tsar Alexander III, just recently placed on the throne after Tsar Alexander II was murdered. Tsar Alexander III announced to the people of St. Petersburg that the Russian Empire was going to start engaging the Prussian Army on the Russian-Prussian border the next day. News of this quickly spread, and reached Prussia only after the Russians had captured several towns along the border, and engaged the Prussian Army. Losses were minimal on both sides, as the Prussians had ordered a retreat into Allenstein, Prussia to solidify their defenses.
The 50,000 strong Russian Army stormed across the Prussian country side, clashing with the Prussian Army in the Siege of Allenstein. The Prussian Army stood it's ground as the Russians hammered against their lines. The Prussian Army ultimately won a Pyrrhic victory over the Russians after 10 days of fighting, and a combined casualty rate of 45,000 men. [-20,000 Regulars from Russia. -15,000 Conscripts from Prussia.]
1. The Russian siege of Allenstein, January 1862.
The Russians backed off an set up camp just outside of Allenstein, as the Prussians, vastly disorganized and unable to react to the onset of war, struggled to inform Berlin of the development. The Kingdom of Prussia now faced a three-front war. Upon hearing the news of the Russian invasion, Minister President Otto von Bismark remarked "God Damn Them! That is all! We shall simply kill each and every French, Austrian, and Russian soldier!"