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{{Mediawiki:kindleoasis}}[[File: Willewalde - Czar's Guard capture 4th line regiment's standard at Austerlitz.jpg|thumbnail|275pxleft|300px|Russian cavalry in action at Austerlitz]]The Battle of Austerlitz, also known as the Three Emperors' Battle, was one of the most critical battles in European History. It was also Napoleon's most significant victory. At the battle, Napoleon's employed a brilliant strategy to defeat the Russian and the Austrian Empires' combined forces.

The Battle of Austerlitz also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors was one of the most important battles in European History. It was also Napoleon’s greatest victory. At the battle, Napoleon’s employed a brilliant strategy to defeat the combined forces of the Russian and the Austrian Empires. The victory triumph of the French stunned Europe and meant that they were masters of Europe, for a brief period of time. This article will discuss the reasons for the French victory, this . This will include Napoleon's military genius, the superiority of the French army 's superiority, and poor Allied decision-making.

====Background====[[File: Austerlitz 2.jpg|thumbnail|275px|Napoelon at Austerlitz]]Napoleon after After a string of brilliant victories had made , Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the FrenchFrance. By 1805, his armies had proven victorious in Germany, Spain, and Italy , and he was the most powerful man in Europe. This prompted the other powers in Europe to form the Third Coalition in order to defeat the French. This Coalition included England, Russia, Prussia , and Austria. The formation of this alliance caught Napoleon off guard. He had been planning for the England's invasion of England and had amassed a large army in northern France, known as the Army of England. However, he learned that Austria, Prussia, and the Russians were mobilizing and planned to attack the French and their allies. Napoleon abandoned his plans to invade England and decided to attack his enemies in the east before they could unite their forces. This was typical of Napoleon who was always willing to go on the attack and believed that the key to success was to never let the enemy to settle and attack them before they were in a position to attack the French <ref> David G. Chandler, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0025236601/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0025236601&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=b7102b4553a33f72683b1ad69f241308 The Campaigns of Napoleon]</i>.(Longman, N.Y., 2000) p. 407</ref>

However, he learned that Austria, Prussia, and the Russians were mobilizing and planned to attack the French and their allies. Napoleon abandoned his plans to invade England and decided to attack his enemies in the east before they could unite their forces. This was typical of Napoleon, who was always willing to go on the attack and believed that the key to success was never to let the enemy settle and attack them before they could attack the French.<ref> David G. Chandler, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0025236601/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0025236601&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=b7102b4553a33f72683b1ad69f241308 The Campaigns of Napoleon]</i>.(Longman, N.Y., 2000) p. 407</ref> [[File: Austerlitz 2.jpg|thumbnail|275px|left|Napoleon at Austerlitz]]Moving with great speed , he took his army of over 200,000 French and allied troops from their encampments near Boulogne and crossed into Germany on September the 25th. The army was divided into several corps. They were independent units with artillery attachments of artillery , and each corps commander had a great deal of autonomy in their decision -making. The army also had also two cavalry divisions of approximately 20,000. The Austrians , with their German allies , decided to meet Napoleon in Bavaria in Germany. They intended to slow down his army and to defend Austria from a French invasion until the arrival of the huge vast Russian army's arrival. The Prussians because of internal politics had been very slow in mobilizing and the Austrians were forced to meet Napoleon almost on their own. The Austrian General Mack established a line of defense near Ulm in Bavaria. However, Napoleon’s army was very quick and after a feint attack, he was able to appear at the rear of the Austrian army and inflicted a decisive defeat on Mack. In this battle, the French captured Mack and some 23,000 of his men. Napoleon was free to march into Central Europe.<ref> Chandler, p. 401</ref>

In November Because of 1805internal politics, the French marched on Vienna Prussians had been very slow in mobilizing, and occupied itthe Austrians were forced to meet Napoleon almost independently. The Austrian General Mack established a line of defense near Ulm in Bavaria. However, Napoleon's army knew it could not defeat Napoleon so it retreated to an area in modern-day the Czech Republicwas swift, and after a feint attack, here they met he appeared at the Russian army under General Kutsov. Here they waited for rear of the Prussian Austrian army. Napoleon did not stay long in Vienna and marched forward to meet the allies before they were joined by the Prussiansinflicted a decisive defeat on Mack. He had swept aside all opposition but he was faced with many problemsIn this battle, his men had marched across Europe the French captured Mack and needed restsome 23, while worryingly 000 of his logistics were breaking down. His men were reliant up confiscating food from the locals, then there was the fact that the snows of winter were due and the French army had not established any winter quarters. Napoleon was eager for a quick battle or else he would have free to retreat because of the weather and a shortage of suppliesmarch into Central Europe.<ref> Chandler, p.401</ref>

==The Preparations==[[File: Charles Thévenin - Reddition de la ville d'Ulm.jpg|thumbnail|325px|Austerlitz battle scene]]The Allies leadership was divided.<ref>FisherIn November of 1805, Todd & Fremont-Barnes Gregory, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYHOVVZ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01LYHOVVZ&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=286956cb7b56cd3271bf57ffab84c6ca">The%20Napoleonic%20Wars:%20The%20rise%20and%20fall%20of%20an%20empire%20(Essential%20Histories%20Specials)%20by%20Todd%20Fisher%20(2004-04-27)</a><img%20src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dailyh0c-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01LYHOVVZ"%20width="1"%20height="1"%20border="0"%20alt=""%20style="border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;"%20/> The Napoleonic Wars: The Rise the French marched on Vienna and Fall of an Empire]</i> (Pelican, London, 1987), poccupied it. 33</ref> The Austrian and army knew it could not defeat Napoleon, so it retreated to an area in modern-day the Russian Emperors were present at the battle and Czech Republic, where they had a great influence on met the commanders. Russian army under General Kutsov, . Here they waited for the Russian commander in chief, correctly believed that Napoleon’s forces were running low on supplies and that together with the weather, that his Prussian army would soon be . Napoleon did not stay long in difficulties Vienna and then ready for an allied attack possibly in marched forward to meet the Spring, allies before the Austrian Emperor agreed with his strategyPrussians joined them. The Tsar over-ruled General Kutuzov and the Austrian Emperor He had swept aside all opposition, but he was in a weak position after the defeat at Ulm faced with many problems. His men had marched across Europe and the loss of needed rest, while worryingly, his capitallogistics were breaking down. Napoleon wanted His men were reliant up confiscating food from the allies to fight him in a battle and he pretended to want peace negotiationslocals.<ref> Fischer and Fremont-BarnesThen, winter snows were due, p. 137</ref> He was not sincere and did the French army had not want to peaceestablished any winter quarters. This fooled some of the allies and persuaded them that they should attack Napoleon immediately. The wily Kutuzov knew that it was a trap and he counseled eager for a more cautious approach. He lost out, once again and quick battle or would have to retreat because of the allies agreed that once they made contact with the French army they would stand weather and fight.<ref>Chandler, pa shortage of supplies. 411</ref>

====The allies decided that they would stand and fight at the small village of Preparations====[[File: Charles Thévenin - Reddition de la ville d'Ulm.jpg|thumbnail|325px|left|Austerlitz, here they had secured some high ground and waited for the French to approachbattle scene]]The Allies' leadership was divided. The allies waited for Napoleon’s army with some 88<ref>Fisher,000 menTodd & Fremont-Barnes Gregory, they were well supplied with cavalry and cannons<i>[https://www.amazon. com/gp/product/B01LYHOVVZ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01LYHOVVZ&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=286956cb7b56cd3271bf57ffab84c6ca The Napoleonic Wars: The majority Rise and Fall of the forces were Russian.an Empire]<ref/i> Abbott, John, Life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Kessinger Publishing(Pelican, London, 20051987), 349p. 33</ref>. Both the The Austrian and the Russian army was organized in a manner very similar to the eighteenth century. The main unit of organization was the regiment and they Emperors were all commanded by aristocrats. Nearly all of present at the officers were aristocrats battle and they maintained had a strict discipline in their units and physical punishment for even slight infringements were commonsignificant influence on the commanders. The French arrived at Austerlitz General Kutsov, with a force of approximately 72,000 men. This was smaller than the Russian and Austrians but they were among the finest and most experienced soldiers commander in Europe and they were highly motivated by their officers and chief, correctly believed that Napoleon's forces ran low on supplies. Unlike With the allies’ officersweather, they had all received their commission based on merit. The French officer corps was generally better than the allies his army would soon be in difficulties and this was a direct result of Napoleon’s reform and reorganization of ready for an allied attack, possibly in the previously undisciplined French Revolutionary armiesSpring.<ref>Abbot, pThe Austrian Emperor agreed with his strategy. 124</ref>

==Battle of Austerlitz== The two armies faced each other at Austerlitz on Tsar over-ruled General Kutuzov, and the 1st of December 1805. The allies made an attack against Austrian Emperor were in a weak position after the French rightdefeat at Ulm and his capital loss. This was what Napoleon had expectedwanted the allies to fight him in a battle, and he had deliberately weakened it so as pretended to entice the allies into an attack on this areawant peace negotiations.<ref> Fischer and Fremont-Barnes, p. 137</ref> He simply ordered his right to hold on for as long as possiblewas not sincere and did not want peace. The Allies initially made This fooled some headway of the allies and persuaded them that they drove the French from should attack Napoleon immediately. The wily Kutuzov knew that it was a small hamlettrap, but the French right retreated in an orderly manner and inflicted heavy casualties on the Russians and the Austrianshe counseled for a more cautious approach. The French artillery was very accurate and efficient He lost out, once again, and it managed to at first slow the allies agreed that they would stand and later stopped their attack on fight once they made contact with the rightFrench army. A Corps under Davout then arrived and bolstered the right. Napoleon saw that the allies had weakened their center in order to attack his right<ref>Chandler, p.411</ref>

Napoleon placed LannesThe allies decided that they would stand and fight at Austerlitz's V Corps at small village. Here they had secured some high ground and waited for the northern end of the line, and Claude LegrandFrench to approach. The allies waited for Napoleon's Corps army with some 88,000 men at . They were well supplied with cavalry and cannons. The majority of the southern endforces were Russian.<ref>Abbott, John, [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1406503789/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1406503789&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=615da9fc619688fe3b53fbdc93125792 Life of Napoleon Bonaparte]. Kessinger Publishing, London, 2005, 349</ref>. He then placed Soult’s IV Corps in Both the center Austrian and this strengthened it greatly. This the Russian army was organized in a manner very complex maneuver but it was carried out efficiently and speedily thanks similar to the efficiency eighteenth century. The main unit of organization was the '''Grand Armee''' corps systemregiment, and they were all commanded by aristocrats. Then Napoleon ordered a corps under Davout to attack his right flank and this caught Nearly all of the allies by surpriseofficers were aristocrats, the Russian commander was drunk and soon the allies were they maintained a strict discipline in full retreat in this sector<ref> Chandlertheir units, p. 415</ref>and physical punishment for even slight infringements was common.

Around 8:45 AMThe French arrived at Austerlitz with a force of approximately 72, believing that 000 men. This was smaller than the Allied center had been sufficiently weakenedRussian and Austrians, but they were among the finest and most experienced soldiers in Europe, and they were highly motivated by their officers and Napoleon summoned Soult to discuss an attack . Unlike the allies' officers, they had all received their commission based on the enemy lines at the Pratzen Heights. Napoleon believed that ‘one sharp blow’ at this point could bring him victorymerit. The Corps under Soult French officer corps was thrown back after brave Russian resistance. Howevergenerally better than the allies, Saint-Hillaire and this was able to sweep the Russians from the heights a direct result of Napoleon's reform and this meant that reorganization of the allies center had been broken previously undisciplined French Revolutionary armies.<ref> ChandlerAbbot, p. 411124</ref>. A French cavalry attack was driven back on the left by the excellent Austrian cavalry. However, the center and the right of the Allied army was in full flight. The French sensing a total victory charged after the fleeing troops many Russians troops drowned in a marsh as they attempted to flee. The Austrian cavalry mounted an almost suicidal attack on the advancing French Corps and this may have saved the allies from complete annihilation.

==Aftermath of the ==Battle of Austerlitz====The French were two armies faced each other at Austerlitz on December the clear winners of the battle1st, 1805. It ended all Austrian resistance and ended The allies attacked the War of the Third Coalition. The French had lost about 1300 killed and 6000 woundedright. The allies suffered much heavier losses they lost 15,000 men and thousands more are captured. Austerlitz This was perhaps in many ways Napoleons greatest victorywhat Napoleon had expected.<ref> Lyons, Martyn, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312121237/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312121237&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=906d04ffbb50998f85262ef04e3d5b8a Napoleon Bonaparte and He had deliberately weakened it to entice the Legacy of the French Revolution]</i>. St. Martin's Press London, 1994, pallies into an attack on this area. 345</ref> After He ordered his victory, he was able right to force Austria to sign a humiliating Treaty and the Russians were forced to retreathold on for as long as possible. The Allies initially made some headway, Napoleon had a free hand in Germany and dissolved they drove the Holy Roman Empire and established the Confederation of the Rhine in its place, which was French from a French puppetsmall hamlet. Without the threat from AustriaStill, and Russia the French were able to concentrate right retreated orderly and inflicted heavy casualties on the Prussians Russians and defeated them decisively at the battle of JenaAustrians. Napoleon The French artillery was almost the complete master of Europe. Howeververy accurate and efficient, many believe that the victory was not as decisive as and it managed first appeared, as to slow the Austrians were able to wage a war against Napoleon in 1807 allies and later stopped their attack on the Russians were far from defeatedright. Furthermore, the English had defeated the French at Trafalgar A Corps under Davout then arrived and this meant that they had complete control of bolstered the seas.<ref>Schroeder, Paul W. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0198206542/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0198206542&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=00562c16a0e9d3340b617341269f768a The Transformation of European Politics, 1763–1848]</i>, (Longman, NY, 1996), pright. 518 </ref> The English as a result, were determined to continue the fight against Napoleon, even after saw that the battle. Nonetheless, the French allies had established a supremacy in Europe that had not been seen since the days of the Romansweakened their center to attack his right.

==Why did Napoleon Win?==There were several reasons as to why the French won at Austerlitz. One of them was Napoleon’s military genius. He had cleverly convinced his enemies that he was weaker than he was by his insincere proposal for peace negotiations. This fooled the Tsar and encouraged him to stand and fight. This played into Bonaparte's hands.<ref> Chandler, p. 409</ref> Then the French strategy and tactics during the battle were brilliant. Napoleon predicted where and when the allies would attack and then attacked them at their weakest point. This meant that he and his troops were able to rout a huge army in less than a day’s fighting. Another reason for the French victory was the superior organization of the French army, the corps system was flexible and could react to any changes in the battlefield.<ref> Stutterheim, Karl. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MH68O4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009MH68O4&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0cdh-20&linkId=6f88b6558dbf081d32734a4acf4e7c1a A Detailed Account of the Battle of Austerlitz]</i>. Pine-Coffin, John (trans.) (London: Thomas Goddard, 1807) p. 46 <ad/ref>

The French officers were also much better than Napoleon placed Lannes's V Corps at the allies who only had their position, because northern end of their birth the line and were often incompetent. The average French soldier Claude Legrand's Corpsmen at Austerlitz was a battle hardened veteran who was inspired by the ideals of southern end. He then placed Soult's IV Corps in the Revolutioncenter, and this strengthened it significantly. The French cannon This was superior to the alliesa complex maneuver, but not much so. One of the main reasons why Napoleon it was able carried out efficiently and speedily thanks to defeat the combined armies of Austria and Russia was that they were fighting in an eighteenth-century manner"Grande Armee" corps system's efficiency. Their organization, tactics and strategy were outmoded, according Then Napoleon ordered a corps under Davout to a German observer of the battle.<ref> Stutterheinattack his right flank, p. 19</ref> The French had changed the nature of warfare and this was not recognized caught the allies by the Allies. Furthermoresurprise, the Tsar interfered with his commander’s decisions and many Generals only agreed with his tactics out of respect for his Royal Person. This meant that the great Russian General Kutsov commander was sidelined. He had proposed different tactics drunk, and this was to draw Napoleon further into eastern Europe, to weaken him before soon the allies would destroy him. This was actually what Kutsov would do when Napoleon invaded Russian were in full retreat in 1813. The Tsar’s failure to listen to his most experienced soldier contributed to his disastrous defeat. Another reason for the victory of the French was the failure of the Prussians to send their army on time, they could have helped to turn the tide of the battle if they had been present.this sector<ref>Chandler, p. 409415</ref> .

==Conclusions==Austerlitz was a great victory. HoweverAround 8:45 AM, it was not believing that the decisive victory that it has often Allied center had been portrayed. sufficiently weakened, Napoleon was able summoned Soult to inflict a defeat discuss an attack on the Coalitionenemy lines at the Pratzen Heights. Napoleon won because he duped the allies into thinking thought that he wanted negotiations'one sharp blow' at this point could bring him victory. The Corps under Soult was thrown back after brave Russian resistance. However, which prompted them to seek a battleSaint-Hillaire swept the Russians from the heights, which he meant the allies center had expected and wanted. The allies perhaps should have avoided a battle and allowed Napoleon’s army to suffer from an overextended supply line in winter. During the actual battlebeen broken <ref> Chandler, Napoleon’s strategy worked very wellp. His strategy and tactics were superb411</ref>. Then his army A French cavalry attack was superior to driven back on the left by the allies, except their excellent Austrian cavalry. His units were well ledHowever, motivated the center and flexible, while the allies right of the Allied army were using led by often incompetent officers and poorly organizedin full flight. These factors all allowed Napoleon to defeat The French, sensing a slightly larger army and establish French supremacy total victory, charged after the fleeing troops' many Russian troops drowned in much of Europea marsh as they attempted to flee.<ref>AbbotThe Austrian cavalry mounted an almost suicidal attack on the advancing French Corps, psaving the allies from destruction. 376</ref>

====Aftermath of the Battle of Austerlitz====The French were the clear winners of the battle. It ended all Austrian resistance and ended the War of the Third Coalition. The French had lost about 1300 killed and 6000 wounded. The allies suffered much heavier losses. They lost 15,000 men, and thousands more were captured. Austerlitz was perhaps, in many ways, Napoleon's greatest victory.<ref> Lyons, Martyn, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312121237/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312121237&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=906d04ffbb50998f85262ef04e3d5b8a Napoleon Bonaparte and the Legacy of the French Revolution]</i>. St. Martin's Press London, 1994, p. 345</ref>  Napoleon was almost the complete master of Europe. After his victory, he forced Austria to sign a humiliating Treaty, and the Russians were forced to retreat. Napoleon had a free hand in Germany, dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, and established the Rhine Confederation, a French puppet. Without the threat from Austria and Russia, the French were able to concentrate on the Prussians and defeated them decisively at Jena's battle. However, many believe that the victory was not as decisive as it first appeared, as the Austrians were able to wage war against Napoleon in 1807, and the Russians were far from defeated. Furthermore, the English had defeated the French at Trafalgar, which meant complete control of the seas.<ref>Schroeder, Paul W. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0198206542/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0198206542&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=00562c16a0e9d3340b617341269f768a The Transformation of European Politics, 1763–1848]</i>, (Longman, NY, 1996), p. 518 </ref> The English, as a result, were determined to continue the fight against Napoleon, even after the battle. Nonetheless, the French had established supremacy in Europe that had not been seen since the days of the Romans.  ====Why did Napoleon Win?====There were several reasons as to why the French won at Austerlitz. One of them was Napoleon's military genius. He had cleverly convinced his enemies that he was weaker than he was by his insincere proposal for peace negotiations. This fooled the Tsar and encouraged him to stand and fight. This played into Bonaparte's hands.<ref> Chandler, p. 409</ref> Then, the French strategy and tactics during the battle were brilliant. Napoleon predicted where and when the allies would attack and then attacked them at their weakest point. This meant that he and his troops could rout a massive army in less than a day's fighting. Another reason for the French victory was the French army's superior organization. The corps system was flexible and could react to any changes on the battlefield.<ref> Stutterheim, Karl. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MH68O4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009MH68O4&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=6f88b6558dbf081d32734a4acf4e7c1a A Detailed Account of the Battle of Austerlitz]</i>. Pine-Coffin, John (trans.) (London: Thomas Goddard, 1807) p. 46 </ref>  The French officers were also much better than the allies, who only had their position because of their birth and were often incompetent. The average French soldier at Austerlitz was a battle-hardened veteran who was inspired by the ideals of the Revolution. The French cannon was superior to the allies, but not much so. One of the main reasons Napoleon defeated Austria Russia's combined armies were fighting in an eighteenth-century manner. Their organization, tactics, and strategy were old-fashioned, according to a German observer of the battle.<ref> Stutterhein, p. 19</ref> The French had changed the nature of warfare, and the Allies did not recognize this.  Furthermore, the Tsar interfered with his commander's decisions, and many Generals only agreed with his tactics out of respect for his Royal Person. This meant that the great Russian General Kutsov was sidelined. He had proposed different tactics, and this was to draw Napoleon further into eastern Europe, to weaken him before the allies would destroy him. This was actually what Kutsov would do when Napoleon invaded Russian in 1813. The Tsar's failure to listen to his most experienced soldier contributed to his disastrous defeat. Another reason for the French's victory was the failure of the Prussians to send their army on time. They could have helped to turn the tide of the battle if they had been present.<ref>Chandler, p. 409</ref>  ====Conclusions====Austerlitz was a great victory. However, it was not the decisive victory that it has often been portrayed. Napoleon was able to inflict a defeat on the Coalition. Napoleon won because he duped the allies into thinking that he wanted negotiations, which prompted them to seek a battle, which he had expected and wanted. The allies perhaps should have avoided a battle and allowed Napoleon's army to suffer from an overextended supply line in winter. During the actual battle, Napoleon's strategy worked very well. His strategy and tactics were superb. Then his army was superior to the allies, except their cavalry. His units were well-led, motivated, and flexible, while the allies were using led by often incompetent officers and poorly organized. These factors all allowed Napoleon to defeat a slightly larger army and establish French supremacy in much of Europe.<ref>Abbot, p. 376</ref> <youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhQe2cjr5XQ</youtube> ====Reference====