Battle of Caldiero (1813) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Caldiero |
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| Part of the War of the Sixth Coalition | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 French Empire Kingdom of Italy |
 Austrian Empire |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Eugène Beauharnais |
Johann von Hiller Paul von Radivojevich |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 16,000-24,000 | 8,000-12,000-18,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 500-1,000 killed & wounded (San Michele) |
1,500 killed & wounded 900-1,000 captured 2 guns (San Michele) |
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The Battle of Caldiero happened on November 15, 1813, near the town of Caldiero in present-day Italy. It was a fight between the French Empire, led by Eugène de Beauharnais, and the Austrian Empire, led by Johann von Hiller. Eugène's Franco-Italian army won this battle, pushing the Austrian troops out of Caldiero. This battle was part of the War of the Sixth Coalition, which was a bigger conflict within the Napoleonic Wars. Caldiero is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Verona.
Contents
What Was the War of the Sixth Coalition?
The Battle of Caldiero was part of a bigger conflict called the War of the Sixth Coalition. This war was fought from 1813 to 1814. It involved a group of European countries, including Austria, Prussia, Russia, Sweden, and Great Britain. They joined forces against the French Empire, led by Napoleon.
Why Did the War Start?
Napoleon had taken control of much of Europe. Many countries wanted to break free from his rule. The Sixth Coalition aimed to defeat Napoleon and restore the balance of power in Europe. The war ended with Napoleon's defeat and his first exile.
Who Were the Main Leaders?
In the Battle of Caldiero, two important military leaders faced each other.
Eugène de Beauharnais
Eugène de Beauharnais was a French general. He was also the stepson of Napoleon. At the time of this battle, he was the Viceroy of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy. This meant he ruled Italy on behalf of Napoleon. He led the French and Italian forces.
Johann von Hiller
Johann von Hiller was an Austrian general. He was a skilled commander who led the Austrian army in this battle. Another Austrian general, Paul von Radivojevich, also played a role.
How Did the Battle Happen?
When Austria joined the war against Napoleon in August 1813, Eugène tried to defend the lands east of Italy. These lands were called the Illyrian Provinces. However, the Austrian army was strong. They forced Eugène's French and Italian troops to retreat.
Retreat to the Adige River
Eugène's army fell back to the Adige River. This river was an important natural defense line. The Austrians, led by Hiller, were getting closer to Verona. Verona was a key city in Italy.
Eugène's Counterattack
Eugène decided to fight back. He first pushed away an Austrian force coming from the north. Then, he quickly moved his troops to attack Paul von Radivojevich's Austrian forces at Caldiero.
On November 15, Eugène's divisions attacked. These divisions were led by generals François Jean Baptiste Quesnel and Marie François Rouyer. They successfully pushed the Austrians back. The Austrians retreated towards a town called Soave.
After the Main Fight
After their victory, Eugène moved most of his soldiers to the west bank of the Adige River. He left only one division on the east bank. This division was led by Pierre-Louis Binet de Marcognet.
A few days later, on November 19, Hiller attacked Marcognet's division. The fight happened between San Michele and San Martino Buon Albergo. Marcognet's troops fought hard and managed to push back the Austrians. Around this time, a new Austrian threat appeared to the south, near Ferrara.
What Were the Results?
The Battle of Caldiero was a victory for the French and Italian forces. They managed to push back the Austrians.
Historians have different numbers for the losses:
- Some say the Austrians lost about 1,500 soldiers killed or wounded. They also had about 1,000 soldiers captured.
- The French and Italian forces had fewer losses. Some reports say they lost around 500 soldiers killed or wounded.
- The Austrians also lost two cannons.
This battle showed Eugène's skill as a commander. He successfully defended his position against the Austrian advance.
