At the Battle of Ulm, which transpired during the War of the Third Coalition, French forces under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte successfully outmaneuvered and surrounded the Austrian Army led by General Karl Mack von Leiberich. This battle highlighted Napoleon's innovative tactics of rapid troop movements and decisive engagement, which allowed him to strike effectively at hostile forces. From mid-September to mid-October, the French army marched through southern Germany, deceiving and outpacing the Austrians while coordinating their forces to cut off Mack’s retreat routes.

As the Austrian troops found themselves hemmed in at Ulm, General Mack attempted to escape but ultimately realized the futility of his situation. On October 19, he formally surrendered, resulting in the capture of approximately 25,000 Austrian soldiers alongside their supplies and artillery. This event not only underscored the ineffectiveness of the Austrian command structure but also demonstrated Napoleon's capacity for warfare, as he showcased both strategic brilliance and effective leadership.

The aftermath of the surrender solidified French control over southern Germany, leading to a series of cascading defeats for the Austrians and their allies. It was a dramatic moment in the Napoleonic Wars that altered the balance of power in Europe, leading to further French victories in the War of the Third Coalition.