Military Success
History: KS3, topic 13.2.4
Napoleon’s Military Success
Napoleon is best known for his success as a military commander. He was a skilled commander, had an enormous army, and inspired loyalty and respect from his soldiers.
Battle of Austerlitz
- In 1805, Napoleon won a famous victory at the Battle of Austerlitz against France’s old rival, Austria.
- Napoleon only had 67,000 troops against 86,000 Austrian and Russian troops.
- However, it was a victory for Napoleon’s army, and his side suffered only a quarter the number of casualties of his opponents.
Battle of Trafalgar
- However, Napoleon did also face a military blow in 1805 when his attempt to invade Britain was thwarted in the Battle of Trafalgar.
- Napoleon had been amassing a French and Spanish navy which he intended to use to defeat the British Royal Navy.
Admiral Nelson
- In October 1805 the British sent a fleet led by Admiral Nelson to the cape of Trafalgar off the coast of Spain, to fight the French and Spanish navy.
- The British did not lose any ships and suffered less than 2000 casualties, whilst Napoleon’s fleet lost 22 ships and suffered nearly 6000 casualties.
- Nelson was killed, but the British had ruined Napoleon’s plans for an invasion.
The French Empire
- Nonetheless, Napoleon’s army went on to defeat Prussia in 1806 and Russia in 1807, gaining more land and more power.
- By 1809, Napoleon was Emperor of a huge French Empire which incorporated large parts of Europe.
Test yourself on Military Success
Which battle did Napoleon win in 1805?
Who led the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar?