What was the War of the Third Coalition?

The War of the Third Coalition was a European conflict lasting from 1805-1806, part of the Napoleonic Wars. It was fought between an alliance of European powers that included Britain, Austria, and Russia, against Napoleon's French Empire.

Why did the War of the Third Coalition begin?

The War of the Third Coalition began because the great powers of Europe (Britain, Austria, Russia) were feeling threatened by the growing imperial power of the French Empire and its sovereign, Napoleon I. The Third Coalition's goal was to reduce France to its pre-revolutionary borders.

When was the War of the Third Coalition?

Generally, the War of the Third Coalition is said to begin around April 1805, when Russia made an alliance with Britain, until July 1806, the defeat of Naples. However, some scholars place its beginnings earlier in 1803 - when Britain and France went to war - and its ending in December 1805, when Austria surrendered with the Treaty of Pressburg.

Did Napoleon win the War of the Third Coalition?

Napoleon did win the War of the Third Coalition, and his influence spread further into Central Europe. However, his victory was offset by a decisive naval defeat at Trafalgar, and the war was immediately followed by another war, giving Napoleon no time to bask in his triumph.

War of the Third Coalition Timeline

Invest in History Education

By supporting our charity World History Foundation, you're investing in the future of history education. Your donation helps us empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the world around them. Help us start the new year ready to publish more reliable historical information, free for everyone.

$3544 / $10000

Definition

The War of the Third Coalition (1805-1806) was a major European conflict during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815). It was fought by an alliance of nations that included the United Kingdom, Russia, Austria, Sweden, Naples, and Sicily, against the First French Empire of Napoleon I (r. 1804-1814; 1815), its client states, and its reluctant ally of Spain.

More about: War of the Third Coalition

Timeline

18 May 1803
Britain declares war on France, beginning the Napoleonic Wars.
Jun 1803 - Aug 1805
Napoleon gathers a massive army at Boulogne for a planned invasion of England; this is the origin of Napoleon's famous Grande Armée.
21 Mar 1804
The Duke of Enghien is executed after a sham trial; the controversial killing stains the reputation of Napoleon Bonaparte.
25 Sep 1805 - 20 Oct 1805
Napoleon's Ulm Campaign results in the elimination of an Austrian army under General Mack.
21 Oct 1805
The Battle of Trafalgar results in a decisive British victory over a Franco-Spanish fleet. It is one of the most famous naval victories in British history.
29 Oct 1805
French Marshal André Masséna prevents Austrian Archduke Charles from leaving Italy to rush to Vienna's aid in the Second Battle of Caldiero.
13 Nov 1805
Napoleon captures Vienna.
2 Dec 1805
Napoleon's Grande Armée smashes an Austro-Russian army at the Battle of Austerlitz.
26 Dec 1805
Austria signs the Treaty of Pressburg and exits the Third Coalition.
30 Mar 1806
Joseph Bonaparte is installed as King of Naples.
4 Jul 1806
In Italy, a British expeditionary force under Sir John Stuart defeats a French army under General Jean Reynier in the Battle of Maida.
12 Jul 1806
The Confederation of the Rhine is established under the protection of France; the Holy Roman Empire is dissolved.

Timeline Search

Search through the entire ancient history timeline. Specify between which dates you want to search, and what keywords you are looking for.