Fought on 2 December 1805 near Austerlitz (now Slavkov u Brna, Czech Republic), the Battle of Austerlitz was Napoleon's decisive victory over the combined Russian and Austrian armies. Napoleon deliberately weakened his own right flank and abandoned the strategic Pratzen Heights to lure the Allies into a premature attack that exposed their center, which he then shattered. Often called the Battle of the Three Emperors, it ended the War of the Third Coalition and is widely regarded as one of Napoleon's greatest tactical masterpieces.
Facts
LocationNear Austerlitz, Austrian Empire (now Slavkov u Brna, Czech Republic), about six miles southeast of Brno. 1 OutcomeDecisive French victory, ending the War of the Third Coalition. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Napoleon massed artillery fire against the Pratzen Heights at Austerlitz in 1805.
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Sources
1. Wikipedia: Battle of Austerlitz
Wikipediabody text, Napoleon's orderQuote, body text, Napoleon's order
One sharp blow and the war is over.
1. Wikipedia: Battle of Austerlitz
1. Wikipedia: Battle of Austerlitz
Wikipediainfobox/leadQuote, infobox/lead
decisive French victory, ended the War of the Third Coalition
1. Wikipedia: Battle of Austerlitz
Wikipediabody textQuote, body text
Battle of the Three Emperors
1. Wikipedia: Battle of Austerlitz
WikipediaLed By: Napoleon Bonaparte, Commanders and leaders sectionQuote, Led By: Napoleon Bonaparte, Commanders and leaders section
French - Napoleon I, Marshals Davout, Soult, Bernadotte, Lannes
1. Wikipedia: Battle of Austerlitz
WikipediaPart Of: War of the Third Coalition, leadQuote, Part Of: War of the Third Coalition, lead
ended the War of the Third Coalition
Wikipedia: Grand battery
WikipediaAssociated With: Grand Battery (Massed Artillery Tactic)View the Source Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Battle of Austerlitz called the Battle of the Three Emperors?
Napoleon I, Alexander I of Russia, and Francis I of Austria were all present or directing forces at the battle.
Three reigning emperors were present at or directing the battle: Napoleon I of France, Alexander I of Russia, and Francis I of Austria, whose combined Russian and Austrian forces Napoleon decisively defeated on 2 December 1805.
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