Italian Campaign (French Revolutionary Wars)
1796 – 1797
From the first clashes in 1796 to the final fighting in 1797, find the full chronology of this conflict below, with the forces engaged, commanders and consequences for France in each battle.
Era : Revolution & Empire
- 1796 Battle of Arcole Victory
French victory thanks to a bold offensive that takes control of the Arcole bridge, halting Austrian advance.
- 1796 Battle of Bassano Victory
Victory that drives the Austrians eastward, consolidating French control in Venetia.
- 1796 Battle of Caldiero Indecisive
Tactical engagement that does not substantially alter the strategic situation in the region.
- 1796 Battle of Castiglione Victory
French victory that neutralized an Austrian attempt to lift the siege of Mantua.
- 1796 Battle of Dego Victory
Victory that completed the fragmentation of coalition forces, giving the French control of an important strategic position on the route south.
- 1796 Battle of Lodi Victory
Major victory that opened the way to the capture of Milan, consolidating Napoleon's Italian campaign.
- 1796 Battle of Millesimo Victory
The Battle of Millesimo consolidated the victory at Montenotte by harrying retreating troops, further disrupting Austro-Sardinian cohesion.
- 1796 Battle of Mondovì Victory
French victory that forced the Kingdom of Sardinia to request an armistice, facilitating the conquest of Piedmont.
- 1796 Battle of Montenotte Victory
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.
- 1797 Battle of Rivoli Victory
Decisive victory that ended the Austrian offensive and secured French domination of northern Italy.