Battle of Aspern-Essling

In the Battle of Aspern-Essling (21–22 May 1809), 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.

Battle of Aspern-Essling
Part of War of the Fifth Coalition

The Archduke Charles at Aspern
by Johann Peter Krafft.
Date21–22 May 1809
Location
Lobau, Vienna
48°12′47″N 16°30′09″E
Result Austrian victory
Belligerents
 Austria  France
Commanders and leaders


Units involved
Hauptarmee Army of Germany
Strength
98,260; 292 guns 80,130; 154 guns
Casualties and losses
22,285 to 22,900;
2 guns		 19,980 to 24,001;
3 guns
Location within Europe
War of the Fifth Coalition
200km
125miles
22
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19
Wagram
18
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16
15
Aspern
14
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2
1
  current battle
  Napoleon in command
  Napoleon not in command

Archduke Charles drove out the French but fell short of destroying their army. The Austrian artillery dominated the battlefield, firing 53,000 rounds compared to 24,300 French. The French lost over 20,000 men including one of Napoleon's ablest field commanders and closest friends, Marshal Jean Lannes.

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