Key Facts
- Duration
- 30 April – 21 May 1809 (main phase)
- French force (breakout)
- Over 10,000 men
- Austrian commander captured
- Andreas von Stoichevich (at Pribudić)
- Treaty ending Austrian gains
- Treaty of Schönbrunn, October 1809
- Part of
- War of the Fifth Coalition / Napoleonic Wars
Strategic Narrative Overview
After the Austrian offensive stalled Marmont's forces, the defeat of Archduke John's Italian army changed the strategic balance. Marmont launched a counteroffensive in mid-May, defeating the Austrians at Pribudić near Knin and capturing commander Stoichevich. Further actions at Gračac on 17 May and Gospić on 21 May cleared the route north. Marmont then advanced through Ljubljana into Carniola, fighting at Graz in late June before joining Napoleon's main army at Wagram in July.
01 / The Origins
The Dalmatian campaign arose within the broader War of the Fifth Coalition, during which Austria sought to roll back French dominance in Europe. Austria opened hostilities in Dalmatia by thrusting forces across the Zrmanja River in late April 1809, driving Auguste Marmont's French garrison back toward fortified coastal cities. The region's strategic value lay in its position as a corridor linking French Dalmatia to the main theatre of operations near Vienna.
03 / The Outcome
While Marmont marched north, Austria mounted a second incursion into Dalmatia that achieved temporary local gains. An armistice was signed at the turn of August. The Treaty of Schönbrunn in October 1809 ended the war and required Austria to relinquish its Dalmatian gains to France, restoring French control over the region despite the successful Austrian counter-thrust during Marmont's absence.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Auguste Marmont.
Side B
1 belligerent
Andreas von Stoichevich.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.