Key Facts
- Date
- 5–6 July 1809
- Combined forces engaged
- ~300,000 men
- French and allied army size
- over 150,000
- Austrian army size
- over 130,000
- Duration
- 2 days
Strategic Narrative Overview
Napoleon crossed the Danube on the night of 4 July with over 150,000 men and launched evening attacks on the Austrian semicircular line. Initial French gains were reversed as Austrian defenders held firm. At dawn on 6 July, Archduke Charles attempted a double envelopment; his assault nearly broke the French left before Napoleon countered with a cavalry charge and redeployed IV Corps. A grand battery pounded the Austrian centre and right, while Marshal Davout's offensive turned the Austrian left, rendering Charles's position untenable.
01 / The Origins
In 1809, Napoleon shifted forces to the Peninsular War, weakening French strength in the Confederation of the Rhine. Austria judged this an opportunity to recover lost influence and invaded Bavaria, a French ally. Napoleon responded swiftly, driving Austrian forces back and occupying Vienna in early May. However, Austrian Archduke Charles preserved his army north of the Danube, prolonging the war. Napoleon then suffered a surprise reverse at Aspern-Essling, necessitating a six-week pause to rebuild strength.
03 / The Outcome
By mid-afternoon on 6 July, Charles ordered a retreat, withdrawing in good order to Bohemia. The Grande Armée pursued and defeated him again at the Battle of Znaim. With fighting still ongoing, Charles requested an armistice, effectively ending the War of the Fifth Coalition. The battle's outcome dissolved the Austrian-British alliance and compelled Austria to negotiate the Treaty of Schönbrunn, ceding territory and paying a large indemnity to France.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Napoleon Bonaparte, Marshal Louis-Nicolas Davout, General Jacques MacDonald.
Side B
1 belligerent
Archduke Charles of Austria-Teschen.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.