Battle of Essling

European history

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

The Battle of Aspern-Essling, fought on May 21-22, 1809, was a significant engagement during the Napoleonic Wars. It occurred near Vienna, Austria, when Napoleon's forces attempted to cross the Danube River.1

The battle resulted in a French defeat, with at least 20,000 casualties. The Austrian army suffered around 23,000 losses. This setback compromised Napoleon's military position and diminished his prestige in Europe. The battle was followed by the Battle of Wagram on July 5-6, 1809, where Napoleon achieved a victory that forced Austria to sign an armistice.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

6 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Germany
Period of French hegemony in Germany
…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 Treaty of…
Read More
…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 Treaty of…
Read More