December 1805Reputable sourceWell documented
The Battle of Austerlitz
On the timeline · around December 1805 ·
What happened
In his greatest victory, Napoleon lured the combined Austrian and Russian armies into a trap at Austerlitz — the 'Battle of the Three Emperors.' Feigning weakness, he split the allied line and shattered it, inflicting a crushing defeat that knocked Austria out of the war.
Why it matters
Austerlitz is often called the most perfect battle of Napoleon's career and the height of his military genius. It confirmed France as the dominant power on the European continent.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Battle of Austerlitz · Reputable source