Austria seeks another confrontation with France to avenge the recent defeats, and the developments in Spain have only encouraged its attitudes.

Austria cannot count on Russian support because the latter is at war with Britain, Sweden (which means Austria cannot count on Swedish support either), and the Ottoman Empire in 1809.

Some in the government of Frederick William III of Prussia had initially wanted to help Austria, but their hopes had been dashed when Stein's correspondence with Austria, planning such a move, had been intercepted by the French and resulted in Prussia being compelled to sign the crushing Convention of September 1808.

The British have been at war with the French Empire for six years.

A report from the Austrian finance minister suggests that the treasury will run out of money by mid-1809 if the large army that the Austrians have formed since the Third Coalition remains mobilized.

Although Archduke Charles warns that the Austrians are not ready for another showdown with Napoleon, a stance that lands him amid the so-called "peace party", he dies not want to see the army demobilized.

On February 8, 1809, the advocates for war finally succeed when the Imperial Government secretly decides to make war against France.