austrian campaign new Flashcards
(33 cards)
When did Austria choose to go to war with France again?
February 1809. Napoleon left Spain in 1809 to fight the Austrians, reaching the Danube Valley in early March. The campaign lasted under two months. French victory but not an easy one.
Why did Austria choose to go to war with France again?
Inspired by resistance in Spain and Portugal. Bitter about the Treaty of Pressburg (1805) which marked the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire.
Battle of Eckmühl?
April 1809. Austrians defeated after putting up good resistance. French losses almost equal to Austrian losses.
Battle of Aspern-Essling?
May 1809. Napoleon defeated.
Battle of Wagram?
July 1809. Austrians defeated in a two-day battle.
The Austrian campaign - Napoleon’s generalship?
July 1809 he called up reserves. Victory at Wagram but at a cost: 32,000 men killed. His army weakened by division of troops, relied on new recruits and satellite state soldiers who were less disciplined. Some deserted at Wagram.
The Austrian campaign - Napoleon’s enemies?
Despite the French victory, the campaign was not easily won. Austrians had copied the French corps system. Napoleon underestimated Austrian strength at Aspern-Essling and was outnumbered.
The Austrian campaign - significance?
Last of Napoleon’s great victories. October 1809: Austrians signed the Treaty of Schönbrunn. Austria reduced its army to 150,000, gave up the Illyrian Provinces on the Adriatic coast, paid 4 million francs indemnity. 1810 Napoleon married Austrian princess Marie Louise. 1811 Napoleon’s son was born. Napoleon believed the future was bright, but in hindsight it was a turning point. His army weakened. He was overstretched. Enemies were strengthening as he weakened.
What was the Treaty of Schönbrunn?
October 1809. Austria signed after defeat at Wagram. Austria reduced its army to 150,000, ceded Illyrian Provinces, paid 4 million francs indemnity.
Why was the Austrian campaign a turning point?
Napoleon’s army was weakened. Relied on recruits and foreigners. His enemies were strengthening. Napoleon was overstretched.
How did the Austrians adapt to Napoleon’s tactics?
Adopted the French corps system, making their army more flexible.
How did the Austrian campaign affect Napoleon’s reputation?
Though he won at Wagram, the heavy losses and difficulty of the campaign showed cracks in his strength. Eroded his aura of invincibility.
Why did the Battle of Aspern-Essling matter?
First major defeat Napoleon faced in battle. Showed that Austria could challenge him.
What was significant about the Battle of Wagram?
Napoleon won but at great cost. Victory depended on reserves. Signaled that future victories would not come easily.
How many men did Napoleon lose at Wagram?
32,000 men killed or wounded.
Why did Napoleon’s army struggle in 1809?
It was weakened by troop divisions across multiple fronts, relied on foreign soldiers, and morale was low. Some soldiers deserted at Wagram.
What did Austria lose in the Treaty of Pressburg (1805)?
Marked the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire. Austria lost territory and influence.
Why did Austria think Napoleon was vulnerable in 1809?
They saw resistance growing in Spain and Portugal and believed France was overextended.
How did the Spanish and Portuguese wars affect Austria?
Inspired them to challenge Napoleon, hoping France was too distracted to respond effectively.
What was Napoleon’s relationship with Austria after 1809?
Married Austrian princess Marie Louise in 1810, strengthening his dynastic ties to Austria.
Why was Napoleon’s marriage to Marie Louise significant?
It was meant to secure an heir and build an alliance with Austria. Napoleon’s son was born in 1811.
How did Napoleon’s enemies benefit from the Austrian campaign?
Learned that Napoleon could be defeated. His army was weakened, morale was low, and opposition grew stronger.
How did the Austrian campaign drain Napoleon’s resources?
Heavy losses, reliance on reserves, and ongoing wars in Spain stretched his empire’s resources thin.
Why was the 1809 campaign a two-front problem for Napoleon?
He had to deal with Spain and Portugal in the west while fighting Austria in the east, dividing his forces.
