After the setback at Aspern-Essling, Napoleon prepared a decisive battle. At Wagram, concentrated artillery and Macdonald's manoeuvre broke the Austrian centre. Costly but decisive victory.
Forces at play
Outcome: French victory
France · Italie · Saxe
- Napoléon
- Masséna
- Macdonald
~154 000 hommes
Autriche
- Charles d'Autriche
~136 000 hommes
Battle coordinates
Wagram
Coordonnées 48.2997°, 16.5667°
Battle narrative
Context
In April 1809, Austria launched a surprise offensive. Napoleon had to leave Spain. After the bloody Battle of Aspern-Essling (May), he waited for reinforcements and crossed the Danube.
Forces
France: About 154,000 men. Masséna held the left wing, Oudinot and Macdonald the centre. Cavalry reserve and the Guard.
Austria: About 136,000 under Archduke Charles.
Course of the battle
On 5 July, the Austrians attacked the flanks. On the morning of 6 July, Napoleon launched a general attack. A hundred guns pounded the centre. Macdonald formed a 'great column' of 8,000 men that broke the Austrian lines. Archduke Charles ordered the retreat.
Consequences
The Treaty of Schönbrunn (14 October 1809) imposed heavy territorial losses on Austria. Marie Louise was promised to Napoleon. The Fifth Coalition was crushed.
Go further
Recommended books to dig deeper (affiliate links)
Napoleon — A magisterial biography
An exhaustive biography of the Emperor, the fruit of rigorous research.
≈ £14.99Napoleon's Army
Organization, tactics and daily life of the Grande Armée soldiers.
≈ £18.00Austerlitz 1805
The detailed account of the Battle of the Three Emperors.
≈ £12.99As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.
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