The Marengo Campaign 1800

1800-A momentous conflict between the French and AustriansThe 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.