Battle of Austerlitz

battle_name=Battle of Austerlitz

Context

The Battle of Austerlitz took place on the 2 December 1805, exactly one year after Napoleon's crowning as Emperor of the French. It was the next and final step in his "Campaign of Austria" against the Austrians and Russians, after Napoleon's significant victory over the Austrian General Mack at Ulm. In an unprecedented rapid concentration of French forces, Napoleon essentially had defeated Mack by manoeuvre, resulting in the surrender of a major Austrian army protecting the northern approach to Vienna, and subsequently leading to the capture of the Austrian capital.

Related Topics:
2 December - 1805 - General Mack - Ulm - Vienna

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Napoleon had been seeking a decisive engagement for a few days, which the Austro-Russians were trying to avoid, since Kutusov was awaiting the arrival of important reinforcements. After reconnaissance had explored the field in the end of November, Napoleon manoeuvred in such a way as to let the road to Vienna be cut by Austro-Russian forces. As they felt in an adventageous position, the Austro-Russian army engaged the French forces at the Pratzen (also Prace) Heights. As the Austro-Russian were closing, Napoleon abandoned this strategically advantageous position to his enemy.

Related Topics:
Kutusov - Vienna

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