Peace of Pressburg
Primate's Palace, Bratislava, Slovakia
What happened
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand for Napoleon, and Prince Johann of Liechtenstein and Ignác Gyulay for Emperor Francis II of Austria, signed the treaty. After Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz, Austria had to make peace. In the Primate's Palace in Pressburg, today's Bratislava, Austria agreed to leave the war and give up Tyrol, Venetia and other lands to France's allies. Austria also paid France 40 million francs.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The treaty shifted power in central Europe toward France and its German allies. It foreshadowed the end of the Holy Roman Empire.
What came next
Within months Napoleon created the Confederation of the Rhine, and Francis II gave up the title of Holy Roman Emperor.
Did you know?
The Primate's Palace, where it was signed, is now the seat of Bratislava's mayor.
Timeline
- 26 December 1805The Peace of Pressburg is signed.
- Within monthsThe Confederation of the Rhine is formed; Francis II gives up the Holy Roman title.
- 10 October 1807Treaty of Fontainebleau settles the remaining issues.