The Franco-Prussian War, which started on July 19, 1870, begins with a rapid succession of French defeats: the evacuation of northern Alsace with defeats at Wissembourg and Wörth), the capitulation of Marshal Bazaine in Metz at the Battle of Gravelotte, the defeat and capture of Emperor Napoleon III at the Battle of Sedan, his capitulation on September 2. The Germanic armies invaded all of eastern France and opened up the road to Paris. The Republic is proclaimed on September 4 and the provisional government decides, under the impetus of Léon Gambetta, in charge of the new Government of National Defense, for the continuation of the war.