Macdonald, Jacques Etienne Joseph Alexandre, duc de Tarente (1765–1840)

French soldier. He entered the army in 1785, rapidly rising to high rank. He was in command in Spain in 1810, and was completely defeated by Blücher at Katzbach in 1813. He switched allegiance to the Bourbons in 1814.

He was born in Sedan, France, of Scottish Jacobite descent. After withstanding Suvorov in Italy, he was defeated by him on the Trebia. But he was again successful in 1800 by his march across the Splugen. In 1809 he defeated the Austrians at Wagram, being rewarded with the title of marshal.