Learning European History Through Staging National Historical Events

International Comenius Project (2012 – 2014)

Battle at AusterlitzA Czech historical event that influenced the whole European

history

Battle at AusterlitzBattle of the Three

Emperors

In this battle, Emperor Napoleon I with his French army defeated a Russo-Austrian army led by Tsar Alexander I and Emperor Francis II in nine hours on 2 December 1805.

The battle took place near Austerlitz (Slavkov u Brna) about 10 km south-east of Brno (the capital of Moravia, present day part of the Czech Republic, at that time lying in the Austrian Empire).

The battle was a tactical masterpiece.…Which is perhaps why it was a bit difficult for us to understand all the movements of the regiments – let alone trying to explain it to you… If we had not seen the presentations at the battlefield, we would have been lost…

Battle at AusterlitzBattle of the Three

Emperors

The battle ended the Third Coalition and later, on 26 December 1805, France and Austria signed the a treaty confirming the Austrian cession of lands in Bavaria and Italy to France and in Germany to Napoleon's German allies. Also, 40 million francs had to be paid by the Habsburgs. Moreover, the Confederation on the Rhine was created (it was a group of German states that was intended as a buffer zone between France and central Europe). However, the war was not over yet… Many European countries were afraid of the French influence…

Slavkov Castle

Battle at AusterlitzBattle of the Three

Emperors

The battle had a significant influence on European history.

- It was viewed as a battle of two regimes (conservative vs revolutionary) by its contemporaries.

- Napoleon changed not only the map of Europe (Peace of Pressburg) but also the textbooks of military tactics.

- In that time, it was a battle with the highest number of war victims.

- Two of the generals got a royal title: Bernadotte in Sweden (his family line has ruled up today) and Murat in Naples.

Battle at AusterlitzBattle of the Three

Emperors

Famous Napoleonic “Austerlitz quotes“:

To his marshals: “Gentlemen, examine this ground carefully, it is going to be a battlefield; you will have a part to play upon it.“

To his marshals: “One sharp blow and the war is over.“

To his soldiers: When you say: “I fought at Austerlitz,“ everyone will say – “Look, a hero!”

To Josephine: “I have beaten the Austro-Russian army commanded by the two emperors. I am a little weary... I embrace you.“

Battle at AusterlitzBattle of the Three

Emperors

The photos were taken in February 2014 during the Czech Comenius week in Brno. All students appeared on stage directed by our drama teacher…

Battle at AusterlitzBattle of the Three

Emperors