The Marengo Campaign 1800

1800-A momentous conflict between the French and Austrians

The French victory at the Battle of Marengo decisively terminated Bonaparte's Italian campaign. This early battle of the Napoleonic Wars was the culmination of a campaign which demonstrated the First Consul's genius for warfare and-combined with his Hannibal-like exploit of crossing the snow closed high passes of the Alps to engage the enemy-contributed one more fabulous accolade which was to make the legend that was Napoleon. Yet it was so nearly a disaster for the French as the Austrian General von Melas began the action with a master stroke which could have spelt disaster for many generals-other than the future Emperor of the First Empire. It was only won at the cost of one of France's most talented and valued generals-Desaix. The American historian and author of this examination of Marengo- Herbert H. Sargent-explains the strategy of this famous battle succinctly and then follows the facts with clear and expert military analysis to assist the student of military history, strategy and tactics.