The Battle of Austerlitz: Napoleon's Greatest Victory

The night was freezing cold. The hard ground shrouded in mist. By dawn the soldiers were on the move. It was 2 December 1805 and just outside what is now Brno, 3 mighty armies were about to fight one of the greatest battles in history. By the time the sun set, the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte had achieved a stunning victory, a victory so decisive that it would set the course of European history for a decade. It was the Battle of Austerlitz.

Did Napoleon really fire cannonballs onto frozen ponds? Watch this video to find out!

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#napoleon #austerlitz #battleofausterlitz

[Kjleed]

It’s a shame we’re getting more history lesson on YouTube than the actual History Channel.

[kariannecrysler]

The use of terrain is top notch. The setup at the meeting highlighting the “best possible approach” for the opposition is brilliant. There’s definitely something to be said about Napoleon’s tactical thinking. Too bad bravado encroached upon that a little too much… or maybe lucky it did.

[gregwilliamson]

I wonder what Dan Snow was thinking during his interview with Ridley Scott, whilst Scott proudly boasted about belittling his historical advisers on the set of ‘Napoleon’, by asking them, “How do you know? We’re YOU there?” It seems that movie directors are now our historians?

[anthonydivon]

There is nothing like a Napoleonic video it never gets old

[wajihharaj]

Thanks to Tristan Tate who shared this video to me and now i see Napoleon"s battle was much more interesting than the movie which i didn't and wouldn't see

[andreasschmidt]

I don´t know much hosts presenting history like Dan Snow does. I watched many documentaries presented by him and he still has that passion that makes me to watch him so eagerly.

[brianrunyon]

Great video on this battle, as it's a huge part of the early chapters of War and Peace.

[sleepless]

6:42 Napoleon's soldiers are so dedicated to guide him they're still shining lights to this day.

[TheCountofToulouse]

While Austerlitz is famous because of it's scale, some of Napoleons victories in Italy are no less incredible. He was able to turn the tables on opponents that had him flanked, out numbered and surrounded by making pivotal decision at exactly the right time. By comparison, what made Austerlitz work was all the little things Napoleon did leading UP to the battle to cast the illusion of disorder, weakness, confusion, lack of supplies, ragged, demoralized and ill prepared. Surrendering the high ground, the Pratzen heights, was the cherry on the illusion cake that caused the Russian's to swell with confidence and take the bait.

[Koregidor]

Just found this channel and hearind Dans voice is so nostalgic. Loved 20th century battlefields as a kid! Everytime you paused i always expect to hear your dad picking up the narration.

Well done, love many of the videos ove seen on this channel with Dan and really appreciate his delivery and appreciation of history.

[williamrobinson]

This is great! Can I make a suggestion? In films like this, when shots of maps are used, can you leave them on a bit longer and enlarge the relevant bits a bit more? Some of us are a bit aged, I fear. Nice one Dan and team. ⭐👍

[ealingwest]

@6:44 I just love the little farm tractor/JCB in the background with it's wee flashing orange light when the advancing allied armies are being discussed....

[Admiral_Sith]

Great video, gave me the view as if I had visited the battlefield, the details, descriptions and first hand accounts together with the cinematic parts just make the battle happen in my mind. Great work.

[pvtmadmike]

As an 1812 reenactor I love this time period in history. Such a great period of power struggles. both in Europe and North America

[mt]

I went to Austerlitz on the anniversary back in 2015 and watched the re-enactment. It was fascinating to be immersed in history

[williamgoss]

A dramatic retelling of the battle of Austerlitz, of Napoleon comprehensively destroying the Allies as Dan Snow walks around the battlefield. He really brings the battle alive, (for all the death that was wrought on that day !! )

[nunogonzalez]

Incredible! This low cost network documentary can present combat scenes (using the ubiquitous napoleonic reenactors) more dramatic and genuine than a Hollywood production of several million dollars!

[whosthetank]

thank you guys for doing this. its awesome. truly.

[stevenmayer]

This is insane thank you for sharing this history

[markmuldoon]

Well explained and pointing out the terrain there on the site of the battle helped it come alive. Well done.