The Treaty of Pressburg was a crucial agreement stemming from the aftermath of the Battle of Austerlitz, fought on December 2, 1805, where Napoleon Bonaparte's forces decisively defeated the combined armies of Austria and Russia. Following this significant military win, Austria found itself in a position where it had to negotiate peace to avoid further territorial loss and military humiliation. The signing of the Treaty of Pressburg took place on December 26, 1805, in the city of Pressburg, which was integral to the diplomatic efforts that ensued after the battle.

Under the treaty, Austria was forced to cede several territories, including Venetia to the Kingdom of Italy, and territories along the Adriatic Sea to the French Empire. Additionally, the Holy Roman Empire's power was notably diminished as it lost its influence over several German states, which were compelled to align with Napoleon or formed the Confederation of the Rhine as client states. The treaty effectively altered the balance of power in Central Europe, consolidating French control in the area and demonstrating the effectiveness of Napoleon's military strategy.

The treaty was not only a formal end to the War of the Third Coalition but also an assertion of France's dominance in European affairs. It served as a precursor to further conflicts and treaties as Europe's nations grappled with the fallout from France's aggressive expansionist agenda. The implications of the Treaty of Pressburg stretched far beyond its immediate territorial adjustments, contributing to the reshaping of Europe leading into the Napoleonic Wars and influencing future diplomatic relations on the continent.