Battles & Campaigns · 1797
Battle of Neuwied (1797)
Neuwied, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
What happened
The French crossed the Rhine and surprised the Austrians, breaking their lines near Neuwied. Fighting spread through several villages, and the Austrian left wing collapsed. Michel Ney, leading the French hussars, was captured when his horse fell.
Why it matters
The Austrian army in the region was badly damaged, losing thousands of prisoners and many guns.
What came next
Hoche's advance stopped when news arrived of the Peace of Leoben, signed the same day. It led to the Treaty of Campo Formio.
Did you know?
The battle is carved on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Timeline
- Sep 1796Werneck left to watch the French on the Lower Rhine.
- 18 Apr 1797Battle of Neuwied; Peace of Leoben signed.
- 17 Oct 1797Treaty of Campo Formio.