Battle of Lippa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Lippa |
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| Part of part of the Illyrian Campaign of 1813 | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
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 Austrian Empire |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 GdB Gillot Rougier |
 GM Laval Nugent von Westmeath |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 2,563 men | ca. 2,100 men and 9 guns | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 104 killed, 200 captured (Not all units were engaged) | Not known, but very light. | ||||||
The Battle of Lippa was a small but important fight that happened on September 7, 1813. It took place in a region that is now part of Croatia. Back then, this area was controlled by the Austrian Empire. This battle was a key moment in the Illyrian Campaign of 1813. It led to the fall of the Illyrian Provinces, which were lands controlled by France.
What Led to the Battle
The War of the Sixth Coalition was a big conflict in Europe. Many countries were fighting against the French Empire, led by Napoleon. At first, the Austrian Empire tried to stay neutral. Their foreign minister, Klemens von Metternich, wanted to help make peace.
However, Napoleon was not willing to give up much. He didn't want to break up the Confederation of the Rhine. This was a group of German states that Napoleon controlled. He also didn't want to return France to its old borders. Because Napoleon wouldn't compromise, Austria decided to join the other countries. They declared war on France in August 1813.
The new Austrian Army of Italy had a plan. They would attack towards Northern Italy and Piedmont. This would open up a new battlefront in the south of France. In September, the Austrians began their invasion of Illyria. On September 7, a small group of Italian soldiers fought an Austrian army. This happened as the Austrians were moving towards Trieste. This fight became known as the Battle of Lippa. The battle ended with an Austrian victory. The Italian forces had to retreat towards Trieste.
Who Fought in the Battle
The battle involved forces from the French Empire and the Kingdom of Italy. They fought against the Austrian Empire.
Franco-Italian Forces
These forces were led by Général de Brigade Rougier.
- Italian Line Infantry (foot soldiers)
- Dalmatian Infantry (foot soldiers from the Dalmatian region)
- Italian Light Infantry (foot soldiers)
- Foot Artillery (cannons)
Austrian Forces
These forces were led by Generalmajor Laval Graf von Nugent-Westmeath.
- Hussar Regiment (cavalry, or horse soldiers)
- Horse Artillery (cannons pulled by horses)
- Grenzer Infantry (border guard foot soldiers)
- Infantry Regiment (foot soldiers)
- Foot Artillery (cannons)
