The Battle of Aspern–Essling 🇦🇹⚔️🇫🇷 took place on 21–22 May 1809 during the War of the Fifth Coalition. Napoleon’s🇫🇷👑 army attempted to cross the Danube near Vienna but was attacked by the Austrian army led by Archduke Charles🇦🇹🎖 in the villages of Aspern and Essling. Due to destroyed bridges, the French could not receive reinforcements in time. After fierce fighting, Napoleon was forced to retreat to Lobau Island. It was Napoleon’s first major defeat a pitched battle and proved that h