The Battle of Jena–Auerstedt comprised two simultaneous engagements fought on the same day: the Battle of Jena and the Battle of Auerstedt. The French forces, commanded by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, confronted the Prussian army, which was under the leadership of Duke Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand of Brunswick at Jena and General Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher near Auerstedt. The Prussians, unified in their command structure, underestimated the tactical prowess and resolve of the French soldiers, which ultimately led to their downfall. Napoleon's adept use of rapid troop movements and deception allowed him to encircle and defeat the opposing forces effectively.

The battle unfolded with the main French army engaging the Prussians at Jena, where Napoleon exploited the terrain and executed a series of flanking maneuvers. Simultaneously, at Auerstedt, a smaller contingent of French troops, led by Marshal Louis Nicolas Davout, faced a larger Prussian force. Despite being outnumbered, Davout's troops performed remarkably, repelling several attacks and holding their ground until Napoleon could reinforce them later in the day. The strategy employed by Napoleon during these engagements became a hallmark of Napoleonic warfare, demonstrating the effectiveness of rapid mobilization and decisive action in battle.

Following the disaster at Jena and Auerstedt, the Prussian army was in disarray, leading to widespread chaos. This defeat not only marked the decline of Prussian power but also set the stage for Napoleon's subsequent campaigns in Central Europe. The victory allowed the French to occupy Berlin, undermining Prussia's influence and altering the balance of power on the continent significantly.