Battle of Aspern

European history

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June 18, 2026

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The Battle of Aspern-Essling, fought on May 21-22, 1809, was a significant engagement during the Napoleonic Wars. It marked a rare defeat for Napoleon's French army against the Austrian forces led by Archduke Charles. The battle occurred near Vienna, on the banks of the Danube River. Napoleon attempted to cross the Danube to engage the Austrian army, but his advance guard was repulsed between the villages of Aspern and Essling. This battle resulted in substantial casualties for both sides and diminished Napoleon's perceived invincibility in Europe.1

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Austria
Conflicts with Napoleonic France
However, on May 21–22, at Aspern, across the Danube from Vienna, Archduke Charles and the regular Austrian army inflicted the first defeat Napoleon was to suffer on the field of battle. They did not take advantage of it, however; Napoleon regrouped and defeated Archduke Charles in July in the Battle…
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However, on May 21–22, at Aspern, across the Danube from Vienna, Archduke Charles and the regular Austrian army inflicted the first defeat Napoleon was to suffer on the field of battle. They did not take advantage of it, however; Napoleon regrouped and defeated Archduke Charles in July in the Battle…
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Germany
Period of French hegemony in Germany
…for the Austrian army at Aspern and Essling (May 21–22, 1809), an indication that the strategic mastery of the French was drawing to a close. But at Wagram (July 5–6) Napoleon was able to work the last of his military miracles. Vienna had to sue for peace once more, the…
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…for the Austrian army at Aspern and Essling (May 21–22, 1809), an indication that the strategic mastery of the French was drawing to a close. But at Wagram (July 5–6) Napoleon was able to work the last of his military miracles. Vienna had to sue for peace once more, the…
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André Masséna, duc de Rivoli, prince d’Essling
…important battles against the Austrians—at Aspern-Essling (near Vienna) on May 21–22 and at Wagram on July 5–6. Napoleon rewarded him with the title of prince d’Essling in January 1810. Three months later Masséna, in poor health, was given command of the French forces that were fighting the British in Portugal.…
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…important battles against the Austrians—at Aspern-Essling (near Vienna) on May 21–22 and at Wagram on July 5–6. Napoleon rewarded him with the title of prince d’Essling in January 1810. Three months later Masséna, in poor health, was given command of the French forces that were fighting the British in Portugal.…
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