Battle of Aspern-Essling

Overview

In the Battle of Aspern–Essling, Napoleon crossed the Danube near Vienna, but the French and their allies were attacked and forced back across the river by the Austrians under Archduke Charles. It was the first time Napoleon had been personally defeated in a major battle, as well as his first battle defeat in 10 years since the siege of Acre, and his first battle defeat as head of state, although he did suffer a tactical defeat in the Battle of Caldiero and in the Second Battle of Bassano. Archduke Charles drove out the French but fell short of destroying their army. The French lost over 20,000 men, including one of Napoleon's ablest field commanders and closest friends, Marshal Jean Lannes.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The Battle of Aspern-Essling marked the first time Napoleon was personally defeated in a major battle and his first battle defeat in ten years, since the siege of Acre. It was also his first battle defeat as head of state. The engagement began when Napoleon crossed the Danube near Vienna, only for the French force of roughly 80,000 to be attacked and driven back across the river by Archduke Charles commanding approximately 98,000 Austrians. Although Archduke Charles succeeded in forcing the French withdrawal, he fell short of destroying their army. France suffered over 20,000 casualties, including Marshal Jean Lannes, described as one of Napoleon's ablest field commanders and closest friends. The battle demonstrated that Austrian forces, under capable leadership, could contest and reverse a Napoleonic offensive, carrying significant psychological and strategic weight within the War of the Fifth Coalition.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (14)