Austerlitz
1805 · Austerlitz (Slavkov), Moravia · World · Modern
Napoleon lured the enemy into weakening its center, then struck the Pratzen Heights in a surprise attack and crushed the allies.
Belligerents
France
- Commanders
- Napoleon
- Strength
- About 73,000
Russo-Austrian coalition
- Commanders
- Kutuzov, Alexander I
- Strength
- About 85,000
Background
After Napoleon crowned himself emperor, Russia and Austria allied to meet him in the east, and the two sides fought a decisive battle in Moravia.
Course of the battle
- Feign weaknessThe French deliberately gave up their right wing to lure the allies southward.
- Seize the heightsSoult's corps stormed the Pratzen Heights and cut the allied center.
- Encirclement and annihilationThe French charged down from the heights, and the routed allies fell into the frozen lakes.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1805 |
|---|---|
| Place | Austerlitz (Slavkov), Moravia |
| Result | Napoleon lured the enemy into weakening its center, then struck the Pratzen Heights in a surprise attack and crushed the allies. |
| Winner | France |
| Casualties | The allies lost about 27,000 killed, wounded or captured; French casualties were about 9,000. |
| Territorial change | The Third Coalition collapsed, and the Holy Roman Empire moved toward its end. |
Impact
The pinnacle of Napoleon's military art, known as the Battle of the Three Emperors.
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