The commemorative event dedicated to the 209th anniversary of the battle of Znaim with about 200 napoleonic re-enactors has three major aims this year: 1) to enlarge the program of the current commemorative events dedicated to the less known napoleonic battle fought on the territory of the actual Czech republic and offer a high standard program based on our experiences; 2) verify the chosen location before the 210th anniversary; 3) commemorate the 209th anniversary in an attractive way. The program comprises camp life of the armies, exercice and maneuvers, a battle re-enactment, or a series of lectures on history of the war of 1809. The even is held with financial support by the South-Moravian region.
The camp will be placed near the village of Unanov, located in the northen part of the battlefield, where the French army threatened to cut the Austrian line of retreat. It will be placed not far from the local open air pool which is a nice feature should the weather be too hot in july; the battle would take place on a nearby hill. The event itself will be preceded by a war march from Mikulov (Nicolsburg), starting on thursday morning, for both the soldiers on foot and on horse. Thursday and friday, 5th and 6th july, are holidays in the Czech republic, and it will be possible to come to the camp on thursday already, and enjoy a visit of the historical battlefield and the town of Znojmo.
The Austerlitz association and the Central European Napoleonic Society pick up again the subject of the battle of Znaim, and continue the series of events dedicated to this battle held with success in 2004, 2008 and 2009.
Not the famous battle of Wagram, but the battle of Znaim brought the end of the 1809 campaign (11-12 July). Austria, heavily burdened with conditions of the 1805 peace treaty, saw the chance to change its situation with the core of the French army being held in Spain since 1808. With the British financial support the Viennese war party prepared the offensive plan which counted with the general discontent in Germany with the new French-organized Europe. The Austrian H.Q. expected the smaller south German states to join their side however, as in 1805 the plan had failed. Napoleon returned from Spain with the new army composed mostly of the second-line units with important contingents from the Rheinbund states. He managed to push Austrian corps from Bavaria and after the month-lasting campaign he seized Vienna again. Afterwards followed the battle of Aspern-Essling where archduke Charles delivered the French Emperor the very first defeat in his so far brilliant career. However, it was not the decisive loss and six weeks later both armies stood again face to face on the same field. In the battle of Wagram Napoleon succeeded and forced Austrians to retreat. He followed them and in the vicinity of Znojmo where archduke Charles made his halt, last battle of the campaign took place but was ceased with the armistice. The peace treaty was signed only on October 14th in Schoenbrunn and brought another heavy stroke to Austrian politics and economy. For four years Austria became the compulsory French ally. In 1810, this was confirmed by the marriage of the Emperor Napoleon and Emperor Francis’ daughter Marie Louise.
Program of the event
Saturday 7th july 2018
10:00 opening of the camp to the public, review of the troops
10:15 – 12:00 exercise and maneuvers on the battlefield, Velký kopec
14:30 – 15:15 battle re-enactment, scenario inspired by the first day of the battle of Znaim, Velký kopec
16:00 – 17:00 series of lectures about history of 1809, council
Sunday 8th july 2018
10:00 opening of the camp to the public, review of the troops
10:15 – 12:00 exhibition of our arms and equipments in the camp, presentation of the
re-enactment troops to the public
12:00 final reveiw, end of program
