Étienne Macdonald

Étienne Macdonald (1765–1840) was a French general who served in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and became a Marshal of the Empire in 1809.

Napoleon Bonaparte: French military and political leader who became emperor and dominated European affairs from 1799 to 1815. Macdonald served Napoleon and received his marshal’s baton after the Battle of Wagram.
Battle of Wagram: A major 1809 battle in which Napoleon defeated the Austrian army near Vienna. Macdonald’s assault at Wagram helped earn him promotion to marshal.
French Revolution: A political and social upheaval that transformed France from 1789 and ended its monarchy. The Revolution opened military careers to officers such as Macdonald and reshaped the army he served.
Bourbon Restoration in France: The restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in France from 1814 to 1830, interrupted by the Hundred Days. Macdonald supported the restored monarchy and continued serving under Louis XVIII.
Joachim Murat: French cavalry commander and marshal who ruled Naples as king from 1808 to 1815. Murat and Macdonald were fellow marshals whose careers unfolded across Napoleon’s European campaigns.
Battle of the Trebbia (1799): A three-day battle in 1799 in which Russian and Austrian forces defeated the French Army of Italy. Macdonald commanded French forces during this costly defeat in the Italian campaign.
French Revolutionary Wars: A series of conflicts between France and European powers from 1792 to 1802. Macdonald established his reputation in campaigns fought before Napoleon became emperor.
Peerage of France: A dignitary rank in France whose members sat in the upper chamber of the legislature. The restored monarchy made Macdonald a peer, extending his public role beyond military command.
Nicolas Oudinot: French general known for leading infantry and for his service in the Napoleonic Wars. Oudinot, like Macdonald, became a marshal in 1809 and commanded French forces in major campaigns.
Battle of the Katzbach: An 1813 battle in which Prussian forces under Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher defeated French troops. Macdonald led the French force beaten at the Katzbach during the German campaign.

Linked from 1 page

Jean-Étienne ChampionnetRelated: Macdonald served under Championnet during the campaign in the Kingdom of Naples.