Battle of Neuwied
Rhineland Campaign (War of the First Coalition) · Neuwied, Rhineland, Germany
Summary
On 18 April 1797, near Neuwied in Rhineland, General Lazare Hoche won a decisive victory over Austrian troops under General Franz von Werneck, consolidating the French position on the Rhine during the War of the First Coalition.
Historical context
On 18 April 1797, at Neuwied in Rhineland, General Lazare Hoche fielded around 40,000 French soldiers against some 38,000 Austrians commanded by General Franz von Werneck during the Rhine campaign.
Tactics
Hoche led the French offensive that forced the Austrian army to give ground on the Rhine. A corps under General Goullus drove the enemy into Ehrenbreitstein fortress and besieged it there, consolidating the balance of power before peace talks.
Consequences
Hoche's strategic victory forced the Austrians to withdraw and consolidated the French position along the Rhine. Austria was compelled into negotiations leading to the Treaty of Campo Formio. Losses were around 1,500 dead or wounded on the French side against around 2,000 on the Austrian side.