Leslie Massey
The Battle of Austerlitz, also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, was one of the most significant battles of the Napoleonic Wars. It was fought between the French army of Napoleon I and a combined Russo-Austrian army under the command of General Mikhail Kutuzov. The battle occurred near the town of Austerlitz in the Austrian Empire (now Slavkov u Brna in the Czech Republic) and resulted in a decisive victory for Napoleon, forcing Austria to make peace with France and keeping Prussia out of the anti-French alliance. This battle demonstrated Napoleon's military genius and confirmed French hegemony in continental Europe for the following decade. The war with Austria and Russia was influenced by miscalculations regarding potential alliances and involved complex strategies, retreats, and negotiations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the battle | 2 December 1805 |
| Place of the battle | Austerlitz, Austrian Empire (now Slavkov u Brna, Czech Republic) |
| Number of troops involved | 158,000 |
| Number of troops killed or wounded | 24,000 |
| Number of French troops | 68,000-72,000 |
| Number of Allied troops | 85,000-90,000 |
| Number of Allied troops captured | 11,000 |
| Number of French casualties | 9,000 |
| Number of Allied casualties | 15,000 |
| French army leader | Napoleon |
| Allied army leader | General M.I. Kutuzov |
| Outcome | French victory |
| Result | End of the War of the Third Coalition; Peace of Pressburg signed by the French and Austrians |
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What You'll Learn
Napoleon's invasion strategy
The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) were a series of global conflicts fought between the French First Republic and First French Empire under Napoleon Bonaparte, and a coalition of European powers. The wars were a result of political forces arising from the French Revolution and the French Revolutionary Wars, and they produced a period of French domination over Continental Europe.
The War of the Third Coalition (1805)
In 1805, Napoleon faced the Third Coalition, which included Britain, Russia, and Austria. Napoleon had assembled an invasion force called the Armée d'Angleterre (Army of England) of around 150,000 men in Boulogne, Northern France, intending to invade England. However, he shifted his focus to the coalition forces instead. In one of his most brilliant strategic moves, Napoleon marched his army quickly into Germany, surprising the Austrians who had expected him to invade Italy. This led to the Battle of Austerlitz, considered one of Napoleon's tactical masterpieces.
The War of the Fourth Coalition (1806)
After the Third Coalition's defeat, Prussia led the formation of the Fourth Coalition, which included Russia and resumed war in 1806. Napoleon defeated the Prussians at Jena-Auerstedt and the Russians at Friedland, bringing a temporary peace to the continent.
The War of the Fifth Coalition (1809)
In 1809, Austria, seeking to recover lost territories, invaded France's client states in Eastern Europe. Napoleon defeated the Fifth Coalition at the Battle of Wagram. However, the Austrians were able to take advantage of poor French deployment initially and made some gains, but Napoleon's arrival changed the tide of the battle.
The Invasion of Russia (1812)
In 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia due to Russia's withdrawal from the Continental System, a plan to isolate and weaken Britain economically. He also aimed to gain support from Polish nationalists by liberating Poland from Russian control. Despite terming it the Second Polish War, the invasion was a disaster for Napoleon due to scorched earth tactics, desertion, strategic failures, and the harsh Russian winter. The destruction of Napoleon's Grande Armée led to the formation of the Sixth Coalition, which included Austria, resulting in Napoleon's exile to Elba in 1814.
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The Austrian defence plan
Inadequate Preparation:
When the Austrians took the field against Napoleon in 1805, their army was ill-prepared. They lacked adequate equipment and training, and their forces were understrength. This was due to miscalculations by Austrian foreign ministers, who believed that an alliance with Russia would deter Napoleon from attacking. However, Napoleon made a brilliant strategic move by marching his army quickly into Germany, catching the Austrians off guard.
Strategic Miscalculations:
The Austrians had anticipated that Napoleon would invade Italy, so they positioned their largest force, led by Archduke Charles, in anticipation of this move. However, Napoleon outmaneuvered them by marching into Germany instead, taking advantage of their misjudgment.
Leadership Issues:
Archduke Charles, who was Austria's most able field commander, had initiated reforms to improve the Austrian army in 1801. However, he lost influence when Austria decided to go to war with France against his advice. Karl Mack became the new main commander, but his last-minute reforms disrupted the army's cohesion.
Alliances and Delays:
Austria sought alliances with Russia and other European powers to strengthen their defence against Napoleon. However, coordination between these forces was challenging, and delays in Russian support left the Austrians vulnerable. The combined Russo-Austrian force was led by Tsar Alexander I, who appointed Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov as commander-in-chief. Kutuzov identified shortcomings in the Austrian defence plan, particularly their annexation of lands recently controlled by Napoleon, which he believed would make the local population distrustful of the allies.
Battle of Austerlitz:
The Battle of Austerlitz, also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, was a significant engagement in the Napoleonic Wars. It took place on December 2, 1805, near the town of Austerlitz in the Austrian Empire (now in the Czech Republic). Napoleon's strategic maneuvers, feigning weakness and enticing the Allies to attack his right flank, led to a decisive victory. Despite outnumbering Napoleon's forces, the Allies fell into his trap, and the battle ended with around 24,000 casualties.
Peace Treaties and Losses:
After the Battle of Austerlitz, Austria immediately concluded the Treaty of Pressburg (December 26, 1805), surrendering territories to Napoleon's kingdom and his clients. This included Venice, Tirol, and other lands. The war concluded with the Treaty of Schönbrunn, which was harsh on Austria, resulting in the loss of their Mediterranean ports and 20% of their population.
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The role of the Tsar and his aides
Tsar Alexander I ruled the Russian Empire from 1801 to 1825. He played a pivotal role in the Napoleonic Wars, which were a series of conflicts between France and various European powers. Alexander's complex relationship with Napoleon saw him shift Russia's stance towards France four times between 1804 and 1812, oscillating between neutrality, opposition, and alliance.
Alexander initially joined Britain and Austria in the War of the Third Coalition against Napoleon in 1805. However, after suffering a decisive defeat at the hands of Napoleon's Grande Armée at the Battle of Austerlitz, Alexander changed sides and formed an alliance with Napoleon through the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807. This shift in allegiance was influenced by Napoleon's argument that Russia and France were "geographical allies" with no true conflict of interests.
In 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia, marking a turning point in his relationship with Alexander. Despite capturing Moscow, Napoleon was unable to force the Tsar to capitulate. Alexander's refusal to sue for peace and the Russian strategy of retreating and drawing the French away from their bases led to Napoleon's disastrous retreat from Russia. The harsh Russian winter, persistent attacks by Russian peasants and Cossacks, and a lack of food and fodder further decimated the Grande Armée. This retreat, combined with Napoleon's setbacks in Spain, significantly contributed to his downfall.
Alexander's role during the Napoleonic Wars extended beyond military engagements. He was considered a brilliant diplomat, and his influence was evident in the aftermath of Napoleon's exile to Elba in 1814. Alexander played a prominent role in the Congress of Vienna, which aimed to establish a long-term peace plan for Europe. One of his primary goals was to gain control of Poland, which he achieved, setting it up as a kingdom with himself as king. Alexander also formed the Holy Alliance to promote peace based on Christian values and suppress revolutionary movements that he saw as threats to legitimate Christian monarchs.
In summary, Tsar Alexander I's role during the Napoleonic Wars was characterised by his complex diplomatic manoeuvring, military engagements, and influence in shaping the post-war landscape of Europe. His shifting alliances, decisive military victories, and diplomatic prowess contributed to Napoleon's downfall and established him as a key figure in the historical narrative of this tumultuous period.
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The impact of the Battle of Austerlitz
The Battle of Austerlitz, also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, was one of the most important military engagements of the Napoleonic Wars. The battle took place near the town of Austerlitz in the Austrian Empire (now Slavkov u Brna in the Czech Republic). It occurred on the 2nd of December 1805 and involved around 158,000 troops, of which about 24,000 were killed or wounded. The battle is often cited as one of Napoleon's tactical masterpieces, showcasing his military genius.
Secondly, the battle demonstrated Napoleon's dominance in Europe at the time. By defeating the combined Russian and Austrian forces, Napoleon asserted his military prowess and established himself as the master of Europe. This victory, along with others during the 1805-1807 wars against the Third and Fourth coalitions, ensured almost undisputed continental hegemony. Napoleon's empire became so powerful that no other European power could challenge it.
Thirdly, the Battle of Austerlitz had a significant impact on the morale of the troops involved. Despite initial defeats, the French army's victory at Austerlitz proved that they could fight and win against formidable enemies. This boosted their confidence and reinforced Napoleon's position as a military leader. On the other hand, the defeat had a detrimental effect on the morale of the Austrian and Russian forces. Archduke Charles, the commander of the Austrian forces, became increasingly skeptical about his chances of winning the war and was criticized for his insufficient preparations.
The battle also revealed the shortcomings of the Austrian defense plan, which was described as "very dogmatic" by General Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov, the commander-in-chief of the combined Russo-Austrian force. Kutuzov's plan to retreat to the Carpathian region was rejected in favour of an immediate attack, which played into Napoleon's trap. This highlights the strategic miscalculations and internal disagreements within the Allied forces that ultimately contributed to their defeat.
Lastly, the Battle of Austerlitz had a lasting impact on the European political landscape. While it did not establish a lasting peace on the continent, it drove Russia and Britain to continue their resistance against Napoleon. The defeat at Austerlitz motivated Russia to become more aggressive against the Austrian forces in Galicia, indicating a shift in their alliance. Additionally, the battle encouraged the Austrian war party and prompted them to seek ways to regain their influence in Germany and Italy, leading to further conflicts.
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The aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars, fought between the French First Republic/First French Empire and a fluctuating array of European coalitions, lasted from 1803 to 1815. The wars originated in political forces arising from the French Revolution and the French Revolutionary Wars. The Napoleonic Wars ended with Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo and his abdication in 1815.
The Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna, which began in September 1814, was the settlement that reshaped the map of Europe. Metternich, the Austrian chancellor, relinquished claims to the old Austrian Netherlands and various Habsburg possessions in Germany in exchange for a consolidated monarchy at the heart of Europe. The Congress of Vienna also set the stage for the emergence of Germany and Italy as unified states.
Redrawn Borders and Relative Peace
The Congress of Vienna redrew Europe's borders and brought a period of relative peace to the continent. This peace lasted until the Revolutions of 1848 and the Crimean War in 1853.
End of Napoleon's Hegemony
Napoleon's brief hegemony over Europe came to an end. He was forced to abdicate in April 1814 and was exiled to the island of Elba. Napoleon escaped from Elba in February 1815, reassumed control of France, and rebuilt his army. However, he was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, leading to his final abdication and the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
Rise of Great Britain
Great Britain emerged as the world's foremost naval and economic power after the Napoleonic Wars. The wars also marked a period of weakness for the United States in the face of British power, leading to the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain.
Spread of Nationalism and Liberalism
The Napoleonic Wars had far-reaching consequences, including the spread of nationalism and liberalism across Europe and beyond.
Decline of Empires
The Napoleonic Wars contributed to the decline of the Spanish and Portuguese Empires, as independence movements gained momentum in Spanish America.
Sale of Louisiana Territory
The pressures of the Napoleonic Wars may have influenced Napoleon to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803.
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Frequently asked questions
Napoleon wanted to establish French imperial dominance and believed that an alliance with Russia would not deter him from attacking the eastern empires.
The Battle of Austerlitz, also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, was the first engagement of the War of the Third Coalition.
Napoleon's 68,000 troops defeated 90,000 Russians and Austrians under General M.I. Kutuzov, forcing Austria to make peace with France.
The Battle of Austerlitz is considered one of Napoleon's greatest victories and a masterpiece in military tactics. It affirmed French military hegemony in continental Europe for most of the next decade.
Austria assumed a leading role in the War of Liberation, providing the largest number of troops to the allied forces. Despite this, they were inadequately equipped, insufficiently trained, and indifferently led.
