Austria's defeat in 1809 forced territorial concessions and a dynastic alliance with France, reshaping Central European power for years.
Key Facts
- War duration
- April–October 1809
- French troops withdrawn from Germany
- 108,000 soldiers
- Austrian population lost via treaty
- 20% of population
- Armistice signed
- 12 July 1809, Battle of Znaim
- Decisive battle
- Battle of Wagram, 5–6 July 1809
- Treaty concluding war
- Treaty of Schönbrunn, 14 October 1809
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After France withdrew approximately 108,000 soldiers from Germany to fight in the Peninsular War, Austria seized the opportunity to recover territories lost during the War of the Third Coalition (1803–1806). Archduke Charles reformed the Imperial Austrian Army and, hoping for Prussian support that never materialized, Austria mobilized against France and its client states in early 1809.
On 10 April 1809, Austrian forces under Archduke Charles invaded Bavaria. Napoleon restored order to the disorganized French response and advanced toward Vienna. A French assault across the Danube was repulsed at Aspern-Essling (21–22 May), but a subsequent crossing succeeded. Napoleon achieved a narrow victory at Wagram (5–6 July 1809), and an armistice was concluded at Znaim on 12 July, ending major hostilities.
The war concluded with the Treaty of Schönbrunn, under which Austria lost her Mediterranean ports and 20% of her population. Austria subsequently became a French ally, cemented by Napoleon's marriage to Archduchess Marie Louise. The French defeat at Aspern-Essling demonstrated Napoleon's vulnerability, while nationalist rebellions in Tyrol and Italy foreshadowed broader anti-French resistance movements.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
4 belligerents
Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis-Alexandre Berthier.
Side B
2 belligerents
Archduke Charles.