The year long struggle for a great sea-port p Danzig modern day Gdansk is a city which, by virtue of it's unique geographical position, was destined to be coveted and so became the focus of conflict. It stands at the mouth of the River Vistula on the shores of the Baltic Sea and provides access to the wider seaways. It has always been valuable as a port of departure for goods particularly the vast grain crops of the interior and as a focus for incoming materials of commerce and war. For great nations poor in sea ports it was seen as an essential possession and so Prussia and Russia fought over it. For Poland, it was no less important, but embodied far greater significance as a part of the national motherland. By the start of the 18th century, Poland had ceased to have significant influence over its own affairs and was in thrall to its more powerful neighbours. The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte offered a possible ally able to deliver liberation. Unfortunately, in 1812 the emperor embarked