Prussia withdrew from the struggle against Revolutionary France known as the War of the First Coalition (1792–1797) in the year 1795. Declaring neutrality, Berlin followed this course while the other powers again fought France in the War of the Second Coalition (1798–1801). During this conflict, General Bonaparte overthrew the French government and proclaimed himself dictator under the title of First Consul. Citizen Bonaparte led France to victory in that war and concluded peace with Great Britain in 1802. His 1803 reorganization of Germany awarded Prussia generous territorial compensation for Rhineland districts lost to French expansion. Diplomatic relations between France and Prussia remained strong, with Napoleon insinuating that he supported Berlin's goal of organizing North Germany into a Prussian-dominated confederation. Renewed war between France and Britain in 1803 prompted Napoleon to occupy Hanover, a possession of the British crown, with 30,000 French troops. His actions threatened Prussian national security because of Hanover's proximity to Brandenburg. Moreover, the Prussians secretly coveted the Electorate.

Relations between France and Prussia considerably deteriorated two years later during the 1805 War of the Third Coalition. Moved by a November meeting with Tsar Alexander I at Potsdam, Frederick William III agreed to issue an ultimatum to Napoleon that among other stipulations demanded a French withdrawal west of the Rhine. Should Napoleon refuse, the Prussians would join the Third Coalition: Russia, Great Britain, and Austria. After the Prussian foreign minister, Christian von Haugwitz, reached Napoleon's headquarters deep in Bohemia to deliver the ultimatum, the French emperor refused to see him, knowing the reason for his arrival. Shortly after, Napoleon's stunning 2 December 1805 victory over the Austro-Russian army at Austerlitz ended the Third Coalition. Napoleon then summoned Haugwitz.