The Campaigns Of Napoleon - Bonaparte 1796-1797

The decisive blow against the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia.

The fortress of Mantua was the key to Austrian power in Italy. For nearly eight months, the campaign revolved around Austrian attempts to relieve the besieged city. Napoleon had to defeat four successive relief armies:

Though the main Austrian army escaped, the victory was psychologically massive. The Campaigns of Napoleon Bonaparte 1796-1797

A desperate three-day battle in the marshes where Napoleon famously seized a flag and charged the bridge.

Piedmont exited the war, leaving Napoleon free to focus solely on Austria. The Bridge at Lodi and the Entry into Milan The decisive blow against the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia

In May 1796, Napoleon pursued the Austrians across the Po River. At the , he personally helped aim cannons and inspired a daring charge across a narrow bridge under heavy fire.

With Mantua finally surrendered and the road to Vienna open, the Austrians sued for peace. Napoleon negotiated the (October 1797) largely on his own terms, bypassing the government in Paris: Napoleon had to defeat four successive relief armies:

The ancient Republic of Venice was partitioned between France and Austria. 💡 Legacy of the Campaign