Napoleonic Wars
May 18, 1803 – November 20, 1815
Wars between Napoleon's French Empire and shifting coalitions of European powers. France dominated the continent until the failed invasion of Russia in 1812, and Napoleon was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815.
Battles 4
October 21, 1805
December 2, 1805
June 24 – December 14, 1812
Battle sites 4
- Battle of Trafalgar Off Cape Trafalgar · 36.17, -6.03
- Battle of Austerlitz Austerlitz, Moravia · 49.128, 16.762
- French invasion of Russia Moscow · 55.7558, 37.6173
- Battle of Waterloo Waterloo, near Brussels · 50.68, 4.412
Key commanders
French Empire and allies 1
Coalition 6
Klemens von Metternich
Foreign Minister of Austria, Brought Austria into the final coalition · 1773–1859
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington
British commander, Led the Peninsular War and won at Waterloo · 1769–1852
Horatio Nelson
Admiral, Destroyed the Franco-Spanish fleet at Trafalgar · 1758–1805
Alexander I of Russia
Emperor of Russia, Led Russia against Napoleon and into Paris in 1814 · 1777–1825
Mikhail Kutuzov
Russian field marshal, Commanded the Russian army in 1812 · 1745–1813
Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher
Prussian field marshal, Led the Prussian army in 1813-1815 · 1742–1819