European Battles Trivia Quiz

Answer: Hundred Years' War

The Battle of Crécy happened on August 26, 1346, which was very early in the Hundred Years' War between England and France (which lasted from 1337 to 1453). England's King Edward III and his eldest son Edward the Black Prince (and their army) fought against France's King Philip VI's forces.

The Battle of Crécy was a key English victory that demonstrated the changing nature of medieval warfare. Despite being outnumbered, the English army used careful planning and strong defensive tactics to defeat the French. One of the most important factors in their success was the use of longbowmen, whose rapid and powerful volleys disrupted the French cavalry and infantry. The French, relying heavily on traditional knightly charges, suffered heavy losses. This battle showed that well-organized foot soldiers using newer weapons could overcome larger forces that depended on older methods of combat.

Answer: Hundred Years' War

Edward the Black Prince fought France's King John II in the Battle of Poitiers September 19, 1356, resulting in a resounding English victory and the capture of the French king.

This major blow to France was a major factor in the signing of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, which saw England renounce its claim to the French throne in exchange for a large swath of land. It was a short-lived peace, however, and hostilities resumed a few years later.

Answer: Hundred Years' War

The Battle of Agincourt occurred on October 25, 1415, with King Henry V leading a vastly outnumbered force against Constable Charles d'Albret.

With roughly 4/5 of his men being Welsh and English archers, the effectiveness of the longbow against the French forces was proven once again, as the English came away with an overwhelming victory. This led to a period of more than a decade of English dominance in the ongoing conflict.

Answer: Hundred Years' War

The Siege of Orléans lasted from October 12, 1428, until May 8, 1429. This was a turning point in the war for the French, as their successful breaking of the siege resulted in a French resurgence, and much of the conquered territory reclaimed.

Under the leadership of William de la Pole, the Earl of Suffolk, the English forces laid siege to Orléans for over six months, with Jean de Dunois leading the French defense. The arrival of Joan of Arc on the 29th of April, skirting past the siege forces along the river under cover of darkness, brought confidence to the beleaguered French forces, and just over a week later, the siege was broken.

Answer: Hundred Years' War

The Battle of Castillon, which took place on July 17, 1453, is considered the final battle of the Hundred Years' War. With the exception of Calais, it marked the end of English claims on French territory on mainland Europe.

John Talbot, the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, led the English forces against a fortified position held by the French under the leadership of Jean Bureau. Despite coming upon a position much more heavily defended than expected, Talbot committed his forces, and was soundly defeated, largely through the use of field artillery pounding his forces. This was the first major battle in Europe that was won through the extensive use of field artillery.

Answer: Napoleonic Wars

The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts that had France's Napoleon Bonaparte fighting against various European coalitions from 1799 to 1815. The Battle of Marengo occurred on June 14, 1800, and was part of the War of the Second Coalition. This coalition, formed in 1798, was led by Britain, Austria, and Russia and also included the Ottoman Empire, Portugal, Naples and various German monarchies (but not Prussia).

Napoleon's forces faced an Austrian army (led by General Michael von Melas) in northern Italy, with the Austrians gaining the upper hand. However, the timely arrival of French reinforcements (led by General Louis Desaix) helped to secure a victory for Napoleon. This outcome resulted in a stronger political position as the First Consul, and gave him control of northern Italy.

Answer: Napoleonic Wars

The Battle of Austerlitz (in Moravia) happened on December 2, 1805, and is considered one of the most important battles of the Napoleonic Wars. Known as the 'The Battle of the Three Emperors,' it involved France's Napoleon, Russia's Tsar Alexander I, and Austria's Emperor Francis II. This was part of the War of the Third Coalition, which included the United Kingdom, the Austrian Empire, the Russian Empire, Naples, Sicily, and Sweden allied against Napoleon.

Napoleon's tactical excellence, drawing in the opposing troops with a feigned area of weakness, resulted in a decisive French victory and signaled the end of the War of the Third Coalition. Soon after this battle, France and Austria signed the Treaty of Pressburg.

Answer: Napoleonic Wars

Napoleon began his Russian Campaign - or as the Russians called it, "The Patriotic War of 1812" - on the 24th of June (1812) with the crossing of the Neman River, moving from the Duchy of Warsaw into Russia proper.

The Battle of Borodino, also called 'The Battle of the Generals,' occurred on September 7, near the village of Borodino, just over 100 km from Moscow. Napoleon faced General Mikhail Kutuzov, and the bloodiest single-day battle of the whole of the Napoleonic Wars was the result. Approximately a quarter million soldiers clashed, with roughly 95,000 casualties combined.

Neither side decisively won that battle, but Kutuzov chose to strategically withdraw, utilizing scorched-earth tactics and leaving a deserted Moscow open to occupation by the French. Napoleon's forces held the city for five weeks before supply issues, guerilla warfare from Russian peasants and Cossacks, and an encroaching winter forced the decision to withdraw.

Answer: Napoleonic Wars

The Battle of Leipzig (in Saxony), which lasted from October 16-19, 1813, was part of the War of the Sixth Coalition, which also became known in Germany as the "Wars of Liberation." The coalition army included the armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden, and was led by Russia's Tsar Alexander I, Austria's Karl von Schwarzenberg, and Prussia's Gebhard von Blücher.

In a battle that would prove to be the largest ever in Europe, at least, until World War I, the coalition armies decisively defeated Napoleon's Grande Armée, forcing him back within French borders.

Answer: Napoleonic Wars

The Battle of Waterloo (in the United Kingdom of the Netherlands - now Belgium) took place on June 18, 1815, marking the end of Napoleon's rule and of the Napoleonic Wars. After his exile to the island of Elba in April of 1814 (upon his defeat at the conclusion of the War of the Sixth Coalition), Napoleon spent approximately nine months before escaping in February, 1815. This began his "100 Days" of rule (also known as the War of the Seventh Coalition), culminating in his final defeat at Waterloo.

Britain's Duke of Wellington and Prussia's Field Marshal Gebhard von Blücher led the Seventh Coalition forces carried out a decisive victory, and Napoleon was once again exiled, this time to the island of Saint Helena, where he remained until his death in 1821.

Answer: World War I

The Battle of Mons (in Belgium) was one of the earliest battles of World War I, happening on August 23, 1914. Field Marshal (Sir) John French and General (Sir) Horace Smith-Dorrien led the British Expeditionary Force against the advancing German forces under the leadership of Colonel-General Alexander von Kluck.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, British troops demonstrated remarkable discipline and effectiveness, particularly in their use of rapid rifle fire, which surprised the advancing German army. However, the strategic situation forced the British to retreat, as neighboring French forces (at the Battle of Charleroi) were overwhelmed. This battle set the tone for the early phase of the war and highlighted the challenges of modern warfare, including mobility, coordination, and the impact of firepower. It also began the long and difficult retreat of Allied forces toward the Marne.

At the end of WWI, The Second Battle of Mons happened on November 9-11, 1918, seeing the Canadians recapture the city from the Germans just before the Armistice was signed.

Answer: World War I

The Battle of the Somme (in France) lasted from July 1 until November 18, 1916, with British and French forces (led by Field Marshal Douglas Haig) against the German forces (led by General Fritz von Below). It was one of the bloodiest battles in history, with more than one million casualties, combined.

The Battle of the Somme was a pivotal moment in World War I, not only for its scale but also for its lasting impact on military strategy and public perception of the war. It was intended to relieve pressure on French forces at Verdun and to weaken the German army by inflicting heavy losses. Although the Allies gained only limited ground, the battle severely depleted German manpower and resources. It also marked the first major use of tanks in warfare and highlighted the deadly effectiveness of modern weapons against traditional tactics. The enormous casualties and slow progress came to symbolize the brutal and often futile nature of trench warfare, leaving a deep impression on both soldiers and civilians.

Answer: World War I

The Battle of Vimy Ridge (in France) took place from April 9-12, 1917. Canadian troops (part of the British Empire) under the command of Lieutenant-General Julian Byng and Major-General Arthur Currie fought against an entrenched German line led by Colonel-General Ludwig von Falkenhausen.

Vimy Ridge was a defining moment for Canada during World War I. It was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps operated together in a single coordinated attack. The operation was meticulously planned and executed, involving new strategies such as detailed rehearsals, underground tunnels, and synchronized artillery support (the rolling barrage). The Canadians succeeded in capturing the ridge, a position that had previously resisted multiple Allied assaults. Although the victory came at a high cost in lives, it demonstrated Canada's growing military strength and professionalism. The battle is often seen as a key event in the development of Canadian national identity and pride, marking a shift from colony to a more independent presence on the world stage.

Answer: World War I

The Battle of Passchendaele (in Belgium) was fought from July 31 to November 10, 1917. The Allied forces, led by Field Marshal Douglas Haig, faced the occupying German Empire's forces under the leadership of Crown Prince Rupprecht.

Passchendaele, also know as the 3rd Battle of Ypres, stands as a stark example of the devastating impact of trench warfare. The Allied forces aimed to break through German defenses and seize control of key transport routes in Belgium. However, the offensive was hampered by relentless rain, turning the battlefield into a quagmire of mud and waterlogged trenches. Soldiers faced extreme hardships, and the fighting resulted in massive casualties on both sides. Although the Allies eventually captured the village of Passchendaele, the territorial gains were minimal compared to the enormous human cost. The battle has since come to represent the grim realities and questionable strategies of the war.

Answer: World War I

The Battle of Cambrai (in France) lasted from November 20 to December 7, 1917, and while inconclusive, was nevertheless a turning point in the war. Under the leadership of Lieutenant-General Julian Byng, the British forces faced the Germans, led by General Georg von der Marwitz.

The Battle of Cambrai was a notable moment in World War I because it introduced new tactics and technology to the battlefield. British forces launched a surprise offensive in northern France, using tanks in large numbers alongside coordinated artillery and infantry units. This approach allowed them to make significant progress at first, breaking through German defenses more effectively than in previous battles. However, the initial success was short-lived, as German troops quickly regrouped and launched a strong counterattack, reclaiming much of the lost ground. While the battle ended without a clear victor, it highlighted the growing importance of mechanized warfare and marked a shift in how future battles would be fought.

Answer: World War II

The Battle of Dunkirk occurred between May 26 and June 4, 1940, as Allied troops found themselves trapped on the French coast against the rapidly advancing German armies. Field Marshal the Viscount Gort led the Allies, while Colonel-General Gerd von Rundstedt leading the German forces.

The Battle of Dunkirk was a pivotal event during the early stages of World War II. As German forces advanced rapidly through France, Allied troops - mainly British and French - became trapped near the coastal town of Dunkirk. Facing the risk of being captured or destroyed, a large-scale evacuation effort was launched. Over several days, a wide range of vessels, from naval warships to small civilian boats, crossed the English Channel to rescue the stranded soldiers. In total, more than 300,000 troops were successfully brought back to Britain. Although the Allies lost ground, the operation was seen as a remarkable achievement and became a powerful symbol of determination and hope.

Answer: World War II

The Battle of Stalingrad was fought between August 23, 1942, and February 2, 1943, between the Soviets (led by General Vasily Chuikov and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Georgy Zhukov) and the Germans (led by Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus). Just as Napoleon learned over a hundred years before, an assault on Russia is not easy.

The Battle of Stalingrad was a major clash between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and is often seen as a turning point in World War II. The German military aimed to seize the city of Stalingrad to cut off Soviet access to vital resources and weaken their resistance. However, the Soviet forces held firm, engaging in relentless urban combat and eventually launching a counterattack that surrounded and trapped the German troops. After months of intense fighting, the German army was forced to surrender. This defeat marked the beginning of a steady Soviet advance westward and significantly weakened Germany's position on the Eastern Front.

Answer: World War II

The Battle of Anzio lasted from January 22 until June 5, 1944. Major-General John P. Lucas and Lieutenant-General Mark Clark were the Allied commanders, while Field Marshal Albert Kesselring led the German forces.

The Battle of Anzio was a key part of the Allied effort to advance through Italy during World War II. The plan involved landing troops by sea near the town of Anzio to outflank German defenses and open a path to Rome. Although the initial landing faced little resistance, the Allies hesitated to push forward, giving German forces time to organize a strong counterattack. This led to a prolonged and difficult battle, with both sides suffering heavy losses. After months of fighting, the Allies eventually broke through the German lines and moved toward Rome. The battle demonstrated the risks of delaying action after a successful landing and the challenges of fighting in well-defended terrain.

Answer: World War II

The Battle of Normandy (on the north coast of France) began on June 6 (D-Day), and continued until August 30, 1944. General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower led the combined Allied forces as they assaulted the beaches in the largest amphibious invasion in history up to that point. In defense, the German forces were led by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox) and Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt.

The Battle of Normandy was a major Allied effort to reclaim Western Europe from Nazi control during World War II. The operation started with a large amphibious landing on the northern coast of France, involving troops from several Allied nations, including Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Despite facing strong German fortifications, the Allies managed to secure the beaches and gradually push inland. Over the following weeks, they expanded their control across the region, eventually leading to the liberation of Paris. This campaign marked a significant shift in the war, weakening German forces in the west and paving the way for the eventual Allied victory in Europe.

Answer: World War II

The Battle of Berlin, fought from April 16 until May 2, 1945, was the final major confrontation in Europe during World War II. The Soviet Red Army, led by Marshal Georgy Zhukov and Marshal Ivan Konev, led the offensive against the German army under the command of General Helmuth Weidling and General Gotthard Heinrici (and Adolf Hitler in his bunker).

Soviet forces launched a massive offensive to capture the German capital, aiming to bring an end to the Nazi regime. The fighting was fierce and destructive, with Soviet troops advancing through heavily defended urban areas while German forces, including many inexperienced and poorly equipped soldiers, tried to hold them back. As the Soviets closed in, the city suffered extensive damage, and civilian casualties were high. Eventually, Berlin fell, and Adolf Hitler took his own life in his underground bunker. The surrender of German forces shortly afterward marked the end of the war in Europe.