Napoleon's Legacy In Austria: A Historical Perspective

The Austrian view of Napoleon was largely negative, with the Austrian Empire fighting against Napoleon throughout the Napoleonic Wars, except for a period between 1809 and 1813 when Austria was first allied with Napoleon during the invasion of Russia and later remained neutral during the first few weeks of the Sixth Coalition War. The Austrian army was one of the most formidable forces Napoleon had to face, and the two empires were almost constantly at war for over 20 years. Despite military defeats and lost territory throughout the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, Austria played a decisive part in the overthrow of Napoleon in the 1813-14 campaigns.

Napoleon's invasion of Vienna

In 1805, Napoleon's invasion of Vienna was part of a strategic move against the Austrian Empire. The Austrian army was inadequately equipped, insufficiently trained, under strength, and indifferently led. Napoleon's invasion of Vienna was preceded by the Battle of Ulm, where he surrounded and compelled the Austrian army to surrender.

In 1809, Napoleon invaded Vienna once again. Inspired by the Spanish resistance against Napoleon, the Austrians invaded Bavaria on April 8, 1809, with the intention of liberating neighbouring countries from Napoleon's rule. Napoleon responded by forcing the Austrians to retreat and invading Vienna on May 13, 1809. The Austrians refused to sign a peace treaty, leading to the Battle of Aspern-Essling on May 21-22, 1809, where the Austrian army, led by Archduke Charles, inflicted a rare defeat on Napoleon.

Napoleon regrouped and launched a second assault on Vienna, crossing the Danube River under the cover of a thunderstorm on the night of July 4, 1809. The Battle of Wagram, which took place on July 5-6, 1809, was the largest battle in European history at the time, with over 300,000 combatants. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with over 70,000 soldiers killed or wounded. Despite the high number of casualties, Napoleon emerged victorious and went on to sign a peace treaty with Emperor Francis I of Austria in October 1809.

The Austrian view of the Treaty of Pressburg

The Treaty of Pressburg, also known as the Peace of Pressburg, was signed on December 26, 1805, between French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and the Holy Roman Emperor Francis II. This treaty was a consequence of Napoleon's victories over the Russians and Austrians at Ulm and Austerlitz. The Austrian view of the treaty would likely have been overwhelmingly negative, as it imposed harsh terms on the Austrian Empire, forcing it to make significant territorial concessions and reducing its influence in Germany.

Under the treaty, Austria agreed to cede its holdings in Italy and southern Germany to France and Bavaria, respectively. This included Venetian territory that had been acquired through the Treaty of Campo Formio, which was given to Napoleon's Kingdom of Italy. Austria also ceded the Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and several smaller territories to Bavaria, further diminishing its presence in the region.

Additionally, the Treaty of Pressburg forced Austria to transfer other western lands of the Habsburg monarchy to Württemberg and Baden, two of Napoleon's allies. This transfer of territories to Napoleon's allies served to create a ring of French client states beyond the Rhine, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. Austria also had to recognise the independence of the Principality of Lucca and Piombino from the Holy Empire. These losses significantly reduced Austria's influence in Germany and Italy, undermining its power and prestige.

Moreover, the treaty required Austria to admit the electors of Bavaria and Württemberg to the rank of kings, further elevating these rulers and strengthening their positions as allies of Napoleon. To add insult to injury, Austria had to release these states, along with Baden, from all feudal ties with the Holy Roman Empire, which Austria was a part of. This represented a significant blow to the cohesion and power of the empire, foreshadowing its eventual end.

As part of the treaty, Austria also had to pay an indemnity of 40,000,000 gold francs to France, adding financial strain to the losses of territory and influence. While Austria was allowed to annex some territories, such as Salzburg and Berchtesgaden, these were minor compensations compared to the extent of their losses. Overall, the Treaty of Pressburg, from the Austrian perspective, was a humiliating and detrimental outcome of their conflict with Napoleon's France, leading to a significant reduction in their power and influence in Europe.

The Austrian view of the Confederation of the Rhine

The Confederation of the Rhine was a grouping of middle and south German states that formed a loose confederation of sovereign states. It was established at the behest of Napoleon after his victory over Austria and Russia at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. The Confederation was a significant strategic advantage for the French Empire, providing a buffer between France and the two largest German states, Prussia and Austria.

From the Austrian perspective, the Confederation of the Rhine represented a loss of power and influence in the region. Austria had been a dominant force in the Holy Roman Empire, which was effectively dissolved as a result of the creation of the Confederation. The Confederation also provided Napoleon with a defensive bastion and hegemonic control over central Europe, threatening Austrian interests.

Furthermore, the rulers of the Confederation member states were given higher statuses and enlarged their territories by absorbing the lands of Imperial counts and knights. This further diminished Austrian influence and power relative to these states, which had previously been subject to the Holy Roman Emperor.

The Confederation of the Rhine was also a military alliance, with member states obliged to maintain substantial armies for mutual defence and supply France with large numbers of military personnel. This contributed to a sense of insecurity and vulnerability from the Austrian perspective, as they now faced a united front of German states allied with Napoleon.

In addition, the creation of the Confederation of the Rhine was accompanied by a series of diplomatic manoeuvres and marriages that further isolated Austria. Napoleon arranged marriages for his step-son and niece to the rulers of Bavaria and Baden, respectively, and elevated the rulers of Baden, Hesse, Cleves, and Berg to the status of grand duchies, while Württemberg and Bavaria became kingdoms. These actions solidified the position of the Confederation member states and created a powerful bloc that challenged Austrian dominance.

Overall, the Austrian view of the Confederation of the Rhine was characterised by concern over the shift in power dynamics and the loss of influence in central Europe. The Confederation represented a successful diplomatic manoeuvre by Napoleon that threatened Austrian interests and contributed to tensions between the two powers.

The Austrian view of Napoleon's marriage to Marie-Louise

The marriage of Napoleon and Marie-Louise was largely a political affair. Napoleon's marriage to the Austrian archduchess was shaped by European politics and his desire to have an heir. Marie-Louise was a member of the House of Habsburg, the eldest daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Francis II (Francis I of Austria) and Maria Theresa of Naples-Sicily. She was also the niece of Marie-Antoinette, the queen of France. Klemens von Metternich, the Austrian statesman, suggested her to Napoleon, who was looking for a wife with royal blood.

Napoleon's marriage to Marie-Louise was also a way to strengthen the Franco-Austrian alliance. Napoleon had spent years waging war against Austria, and by marrying Marie-Louise, he hoped to secure a few years of peace during which Austria could rebuild its forces. Metternich, the Austrian foreign minister, and Francis I of Austria saw the proposal as a means to this end. Metternich, in particular, wanted to create tension between France and Russia.

The marriage was not without its challenges. Marie-Louise was reluctant to marry Napoleon, the man who had caused her family so much distress. She had been brought up to detest France and French ideas. However, she submitted without protest to her father's wishes. The marriage was also kept secret until the last moment, with only those directly involved aware of the negotiations.

The matrimonial union of the Habsburg and Bonaparte imperial houses took place by proxy in Vienna on March 11, 1810, and in Paris on April 1 and 2, 1810. Marie-Louise was excited as Napoleon's wife and settled quickly into the French court. Napoleon, too, was initially pleased with his bride, remarking that she was "beautifully made," with "charming hands and feet." He was also "very much in love" with her and attributed to her all the qualities that would make her loved.

The marriage brought a period of peace and friendship between France and Austria, who had been largely at war for the last two decades. The people of Vienna, who hated Napoleon only months before, were suddenly in full praise of the French Emperor. Flattering letters were sent between Napoleon and Emperor Francis, and their respective families.

However, the marriage was always shaped by European politics, and until Napoleon's abdication and exile, it was never free from tension. Marie-Louise was obedient and loyal to Napoleon, but she rarely allowed herself to be seen in public, which did not endear her to the French people who remembered the charm of Josephine. Napoleon, too, devoted less attention to Marie-Louise once he had his heir, as he had to attend to the pressing demands of the state and war.

Despite the challenges, the marriage achieved its political objectives. It prevented the strengthening of the Franco-Russian alliance and restored some prestige to the Habsburg monarchy. It also secured Austria's unguarded borders.

The Austrian view of Napoleon's military tactics

Napoleon's ability to swiftly move and concentrate his forces, divide and conquer his enemies, and employ combined arms warfare set him apart from his contemporaries. His innovative approach to warfare and tactical brilliance earned him a reputation as one of history's greatest military commanders.

Austria faced Napoleon's military genius in several major battles during the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805 and the Battle of Wagram in 1809. These encounters provide valuable insights into the Austrian perspective on Napoleon's tactics.

At Austerlitz, Napoleon employed deception and feigned weakness to lure the Russo-Austrian alliance, led by Tsar Alexander I and Emperor Francis II, into attacking his weakened center. With precise timing, he then launched counterattacks from strong flanks, encircling and crushing their forces. This "center-peel" tactic, executed with precision, resulted in a decisive French victory.

In contrast, the Austrian and Russian commanders at Austerlitz sought to overwhelm Napoleon's forces with a massive frontal assault on his center, aiming to cut off his escape route. However, their plans were thwarted by Napoleon's strategic maneuvers and the superior coordination of the French army.

The Battle of Wagram, four years later, showcased Napoleon's ability to adapt and exploit opportunities. After initial setbacks, he rallied his troops and launched a decisive offensive, forcing the Austrians to retreat and eventually seek an armistice.

Despite their defeats, the Austrians would have recognized Napoleon's exceptional military prowess, including his rapid movement of forces, effective use of combined arms, and exploitation of enemy mistakes. They may have also acknowledged the innovative nature of his tactics, which challenged traditional military doctrines of the time.

In summary, the Austrian view of Napoleon's military tactics would likely encompass a mix of admiration for his strategic brilliance, recognition of their devastating defeats, and a cautious respect for his ability to adapt and exploit opportunities.

Frequently asked questions