July 5–6, 1809 · Central Europe / Austria Theater
July 5–6, 1809
Fought on the Marchfeld plain northeast of Vienna, Wagram was one of the largest battles yet seen in Europe, involving over 300,000 men across two days. After his repulse at Aspern-Essling two months earlier, Napoleon meticulously prepared his crossing of the Danube and struck with overwhelming force. Archduke Charles executed a skilled defense and nearly separated the French army on the first day. On the second day, Napoleon concentrated a massive battery of over 100 guns and launched a colossal frontal assault under Macdonald's corps while Davout outflanked the Austrian left. Archduke Charles, seeing the position turning, ordered a fighting withdrawal rather than risk annihilation.
Commanders