Battles & Campaigns · 1805
Battle of Amstetten
Amstetten, Lower Austria, Austria
What happened
After the Austrian surrender at Ulm, Mikhail Kutuzov's Russian and Austrian army was retreating along the Danube. French cavalry and grenadiers attacked its rearguard near Amstetten. Bagration's men held their ground until night, and the main army slipped away.
Why it matters
It was the first time a large part of the Russian army faced a big French force in open battle. The rearguard covered the retreat, though it is unclear who really won.
What came next
The retreat continued, and three days later the French caught another Austrian force at Mariazell. The next big clash on the Danube was at Dürenstein.
Did you know?
Both sides claimed to have been outnumbered.
Timeline
- 20 Oct 1805Austrian army surrenders at Ulm.
- 5 Nov 1805Battle of Amstetten.
- 8 Nov 1805Battle of Mariazell.
- 11 Nov 1805Battle of Dürenstein.