Campaign of The shocking French defeat against the Spanish troops at Bailen gave hope to Napoleon's enemies. Army reforms gave Austria confidence in being able to tackle the French. Napoleon left Spain in a hurry and concentrated his main force in Germany. The French won at Abensberg, Landshut, and Eckmuhl. Napoleon then attempted to cross the Danube River.
Concentration of French troops on Lobau Island. News of the victory spread in Europe like wildfire. The battle demonstrated how far the Austrians had progressed since the catastrophic defeats in Napoleon crossed the Danube River again. This crossing in July was in great contrast to the improvisational crossing back in May.
Battle of Wagram. Austrian Order of Battle. French Order of Battle. Plans and deployment of troops. Napoleon's plan hinged on Davout's attack against the Austrian left flank. To steady his men - - - - - Napoleon rode from one extremity of the line - - - - - to the other, and returned at a slow pace - - - - - Left flank - - - - - "Go, my friend, into that village - - - - - and slaughter those rogues!
He was driven back There was no Waterloo- - - - - - - like ending to this battle. In the Spanish troops defeated a French corps at Bailen. The news about it sent shock waves throughout Europe. It rallied much of the Spanish elite to the insurrectionary movements surging across the country: Suddenly, the expulsion of the French by arms seemed possible, if not inevitable.
At the same time the Spanish victory signalled to the armies of Europe that the French, long considered invincible, could be beaten. It gave hope to Napoleon's enemies, including Austria. After the massive defeat in and the loss of territories in Germany, Austria wanted to recover her standings in Europe.
