France's defeat of Prussia and Russia reshaped Central Europe, leading to the Treaties of Tilsit and Napoleon's near-total dominance over the continent.
Key Facts
- War Duration
- 1806–1807
- Prussia declared war
- 9 October 1806
- Battle of Jena–Auerstedt
- 14 October 1806
- Battle of Friedland
- 14 June 1807
- Treaties of Tilsit
- July 1807
- Main coalition partners
- Prussia, Russia, Saxony, Sweden, Great Britain
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Prussia, alarmed by French dominance after Austria's defeat and the creation of the French-sponsored Confederation of the Rhine, declared war on France on 9 October 1806. Prussia had also learned of French negotiations to cede Prussian-claimed Hanover to Britain, prompting it to join a renewed coalition with Russia, Saxony, Sweden, and Great Britain.
Napoleon rapidly defeated Prussian forces at the Battle of Jena–Auerstedt on 14 October 1806, occupied Berlin, and pushed into East Prussia and Poland. After an inconclusive engagement at Eylau in February 1807, French forces decisively crushed the Russian army at the Battle of Friedland on 14 June 1807, compelling Russia to seek a truce within days.
The Treaties of Tilsit in July 1807 forced Russia to join Napoleon's Continental System and stripped Prussia of large territories. These lands were reorganized into the Kingdom of Westphalia under Jérôme Bonaparte and the Duchy of Warsaw under the king of Saxony, leaving Napoleon master of nearly all of western and central continental Europe.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Napoleon Bonaparte, Jérôme Bonaparte.
Side B
5 belligerents