Battle of Ampfing (1800)

The Battle of Ampfing was a military engagement fought on December 1, 1800, during the War of the Second Coalition, part of the French Revolutionary Wars. It took place near the town of Ampfing in Bavaria, present-day Germany. The battle pitted the French army, under the command of General Jean Moreau, against the Austrian army, led by Archduke John.

The battle resulted in a narrow French victory, though a costly one for both sides. Moreau's forces had been pressing eastward following earlier successes in the campaign. Archduke John attempted to halt the French advance in a densely wooded and swampy area near Ampfing.

The terrain significantly hampered both armies, making coordinated movements difficult. The fighting was intense and often devolved into close-quarters combat. The Austrians initially held a strong defensive position, and the battle was hard-fought throughout the day.

Ultimately, the French were able to dislodge the Austrians, forcing them to retreat. However, the French victory was achieved at a high price in casualties. The Battle of Ampfing, while tactically indecisive, contributed to the overall strategic momentum of the French campaign, which culminated in the decisive Battle of Hohenlinden a few days later. The defeat at Hohenlinden effectively forced Austria to sue for peace, ending the War of the Second Coalition. The Battle of Ampfing is remembered for the difficult terrain and the heavy losses sustained by both sides.