Presenting a significant new interpretation of Napoleonic warfare, Robert M. Epstein argues persuasively that the true origins of modern war can be found in the Franco-Austrian War of 1809. Epstein contends that the 1809 war -- with its massive and evenly matched armies, multiple theaters of operation, new command-and-control schemes, increased firepower, frequent stalemates, and large-scale slaughter -- had more in common with the American Civil War and subsequent conflicts that with the decisive Napoleonic campaigns that preceded it.

Includes maps of: Seat of War - Italy and Austria; Campaign of 1809 - Ratisbon, 10 April; Campaign of 1809 - Ratisbon, 19 April; Campaign of 1809 - Battle of Abensberg; Campaign of 1809 - Ratisbon, 21-22 April; Campaign of 1809 - Battle of Eckmuhl; Battle of Sacile; Battle on the Piave; Campaign of 1809 - Ratisbon to Wagram; Campaign of 1809 - Battle of Aspern-Essling (First Day); Campaign of 1809 - Battle of Aspern-Essling (Second Day); Campaign of 1809 - Situation, Late 4 July; Battle of Raab; Campaign of 1809 - Battle of Wagram (First Day); Campaign of 1809 - Battle of Wagram (Second Day), Situation about 1030; Campaign of 1809 - Battle of Wagram (Second Day), Situation about 1300.

Introduction -- The transformation of warfare -- Armies for Germany -- Armies for Italy -- War along the Danube -- Crisis in Italy -- Victory in Italy -- The march on Vienna and the Battle of Aspern-Essling -- Junction -- The Wagram campaign : the first phase -- The Wagram campaign : the second phase -- The emergence of modern war.