Key Facts
- Date
- 21–22 May 1809
- French casualties
- Over 20,000 men
- Notable French loss
- Marshal Jean Lannes, killed in action
- Napoleon's first major defeat
- First personal battlefield defeat in 10 years
- Duration
- 2 days
Strategic Narrative Overview
Napoleon's forces crossed the Danube to the Marchfeld plain using a pontoon bridge from the island of Lobau. Austrian forces under Archduke Charles attacked the French bridgehead around the villages of Aspern and Essling. The bridge was repeatedly damaged by river debris and Austrian intervention, limiting French reinforcements. After two days of fierce fighting, the French were unable to consolidate their position and were forced to withdraw back across the river.
01 / The Origins
The Battle of Aspern-Essling arose from the War of the Fifth Coalition, in which Austria sought to exploit French commitments in the Iberian Peninsula and challenge Napoleon's dominance of Central Europe. In May 1809, Napoleon advanced on Vienna and attempted to cross the Danube River onto the north bank, seeking to bring the Austrian army under Archduke Charles to a decisive engagement and swiftly end the campaign.
03 / The Outcome
The French retreat ended Napoleon's immediate attempt to defeat Austria north of the Danube. The battle cost France over 20,000 casualties, including the mortally wounded Marshal Jean Lannes, one of Napoleon's most capable and trusted commanders. Archduke Charles, though victorious, failed to destroy the French army on Lobau island, allowing Napoleon to regroup and ultimately achieve a decisive victory at the Battle of Wagram in July 1809.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Napoleon Bonaparte, Marshal Jean Lannes.
Side B
1 belligerent
Archduke Charles of Austria.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.