BATTLE OF MARENGO: The First Victory of the Century

1-207470

On 14 June 1800, during the second Italian campaign, Napoleon narrowly won the battle of Marengo (Piedmont). This famous battle opposed 28,000 French soldiers against 31,000 Austrian soldiers under the command of General Melas.

At first, the French had to retreat nearly seven miles back. Melas, believing that victory was assured, left the command to a subordinate and returned to Alessandria. The adversary's delay thus allowed Napoleon to concentrate his forces, especially the corps of General Desaix, which arrived as a reinforcement. Around 5:00 in the afternoon, the violent French counterattack forced the Austrians to retreat, although claiming the life of Desaix, the hero of the day.

This great victory lead to the French occupation of Lombardy and reinforced the authority of Napoleon in France.