Battle of Raszyn
Raszyn, near Warsaw, Poland
What happened
The army of the Duchy of Warsaw under Prince Józef Poniatowski, with Saxon troops, fought an Austrian army under Archduke Ferdinand. Austria invaded the Duchy of Warsaw, a Polish state allied with Napoleon. Poniatowski's smaller army held Austrian attacks around Raszyn all day, retaking ground several times. At night the Poles withdrew, and the Austrians entered Warsaw.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The battle itself was not decisive, though Austria captured the capital. Polish historians argue Austria did not reach its main goals.
What came next
Poniatowski marched south and took Kraków, while Polish cavalry took Lwów. In the Treaty of Schönbrunn, Austria lost land to the Duchy of Warsaw.
Did you know?
Raszyn is one of the battles named on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw.
Timeline
- 7 May 1763Józef Poniatowski is born.
- 19 April 1809The Battle of Raszyn.
- 14 October 1809The Treaty of Schönbrunn is signed.
- 19 October 1813Poniatowski dies at Leipzig.