What are examples of historically significant battles where the smaller army was victorious?

Answer 1

In May 1863 during the American Civil War, Confederate general Robert E Lee defeated a Union army twice the size of his own at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia. This was significant in the view of many historians as the confidence (perhaps over-confidence) this gave Lee that his troops could always prevail over any opponent was a major factor which led to the Confederacy embarking upon the invasion of the North which culminated in the Battle of Gettysburg in July of that same year.

Answer 2

The history of warfare is filled with significant battles that were won by armies that were seriously outnumbered by the losers armies. Here are a number of examples.

* With almost a two to one disadvantage Epaminonondas had a decisive victory against the Spartans at Leuctra in 371 BC;

* During the Second Punic War, Hannibal destroyed in detail the Roman legions sent against him at Cannae;

* In 1648, Oliver Cromwell defeated an army twice the size of his own at Preston;

* Frederick the Great in 1757, defeated an army of 64,000 enemy troops that were double the size of his own forces; and

* Historians also credit US General Zachery Taylor with a victory at Buena Vista where he was outnumbered by close to three to one.

Answer 3

The Scottish battle of Sterling Castle against the army of King Edward.