The Battle of Ampfing preceded the decisive Battle of Hohenlinden by two days, luring Archduke John into a fatal pursuit.
Key Facts
- Date
- 1 December 1800
- Duration of engagement
- Six hours
- Austrian casualties
- 3,000
- Distance east of Munich
- 63 km
- Outcome
- Austrian tactical victory; French retreated in good order
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After the expiration of the summer 1800 truce, both Austrian and French armies raced to engage each other east of Munich. The newly appointed Austrian commander Archduke John concentrated the bulk of his forces against Grenier's left wing of Moreau's army near Ampfing, outnumbering the French defenders.
On 1 December 1800, two French divisions under Paul Grenier fought a stubborn six-hour rear-guard action southwest of Ampfing against Archduke John's larger Austrian force. The outnumbered French eventually retreated in good order, giving the Austrians a tactical but costly victory with roughly 3,000 casualties.
Misreading the orderly French withdrawal as a rout, Archduke John ordered an immediate pursuit through forested terrain. This decision led his army directly into a trap set by Moreau, resulting in the decisive French victory at the Battle of Hohenlinden just two days later on 3 December 1800.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Paul Grenier.
Side B
1 belligerent
Archduke John of Austria.