Battle of Montenotte

Napoleon's first major victory in Italy; the Battle of Montenotte split the Austro-Sardinian forces in two, compromising their coordination and opening the way to French domination of the region.

Napoleon, newly appointed commander-in-chief of the Army of Italy, launched an offensive to sever the link between the Austrian and Sardinian armies, taking advantage of poor enemy coordination.

Use of a rapid, coordinated encirclement maneuver, combining targeted attacks on enemy flanks and exploitation of favorable terrain.

The victory led to a coalition retreat and the beginning of the rapid French conquest of Piedmont.