...Ragusa (modern Dubrovnik) to form the Illyrian Provinces, which he incorporates into his French Empire.

Napoleon's dominant interest in creating this political unit, whose capital is Ljubljana, is to cut off Austria's access to Italy and the Mediterranean Sea.

He also places the capable marshal Auguste Marmont in charge of the provinces.

Austria had declared war on France in August 1813, and troops led by General Franz Tomassich now invade the Illyrian Provinces.

An insurrection at Dubrovnik has expelled the French and a provisional Ragusan administration has been established in hopes of the restoration of the Republic.

Austrian troops occupy the city on September 20, 1813.