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