Battle of annihilation

== Significance ==

== Significance ==

In ancient and classical times, many battles ended with the annihilation of one of the opposing forces, the Battles of [[Battle of Cannae|Cannae]], [[Battle of Zama|Zama]] and [[Battle of Adrianople|Adrianople]] being famous examples. From the [[Renaissance]] onward, however, the battle of annihilation strategy fell into disuse, at least in Europe. The greatest exception is seen in the battles of [[Napoleon Bonaparte]], with whom the battle of annihilation in the modern sense is most closely associated, and term "Napoleonic battle of annihilation" is sometimes used. The [[Battle of Austerlitz]] is often cited as the paragon of the modern battle of annihilation.

In ancient and classical times, many battles ended with the annihilation of one of the opposing forces, the Battles of [[Battle of Cannae|Cannae]], [[Battle of Zama|Zama]] and [[Battle of Adrianople|Adrianople]] being famous examples. From the [[Renaissance]] onward, however, the battle of annihilation strategy fell into disuse, at least in Europe. {{source?}} The greatest exception is seen in the battles of [[Napoleon Bonaparte]], with whom the battle of annihilation in the modern sense is most closely associated, and term "Napoleonic battle of annihilation" is sometimes used. The [[Battle of Austerlitz]] is often cited as the paragon of the modern battle of annihilation.

Napoleon's victories at [[Battle of Austerlitz|Austerlitz]] (1805) and [[Battle of Jena|Jena]] (1806) are often cited as the classic battles of annihilation. Napoleon himself was unable to again achieve such decisive results, partly because his enemies then adjusted to his tactics. For example, the [[Battle of Borodino]] was a victory but did not result in the desired destruction of the Russian army.

Napoleon's victories at [[Battle of Austerlitz|Austerlitz]] (1805) and [[Battle of Jena|Jena]] (1806) are often cited as the classic battles of annihilation. Napoleon himself was unable to again achieve such decisive results, partly because his enemies then adjusted to his tactics. For example, the [[Battle of Borodino]] was a victory but did not result in the desired destruction of the Russian army.