Second Italian War of Independence

The Battle of Magenta opposed Franco-Sardinian forces directed by Napoleon III and Marshal Mac Mahon to Austrian army of Gyulai. This decisive combat took place in maze of canals, dikes, and orchards making maneuvers particularly complex. Objective was to pierce Austrian dispositions to open road to Milan. Mac Mahon played central role leading his corps across Ticino River, engaging enemy at Magenta and securing victory through stubborn attack supported by Canrobert's reinforcements.

The Battle of Montebello was first French victory of 1859 Italian campaign. Opposing Forey's troops to clearly superior Austrian forces, it demonstrated French tactical and moral superiority. Thanks to series of bold well-coordinated counterattacks, French managed to repulse Austrians after several hours of intense fighting around Montebello.

The Battle of Palestro opposed Franco-Sardinian troops commanded by General Mac Mahon and his subordinate La Motte Rouge to Austrian army of General Zobel. Strategic objective: secure key crossing on Sesia to allow allied army to maneuver toward Novara. Frontal attack of French units combined with bold flank maneuver by zouaves surprised Austrians. Presence of King Victor Emmanuel II in combat raised morale. Enemy was repulsed with heavy losses.

The Battle of Solferino was one of bloodiest engagements of nineteenth-century Europe. It opposed Franco-Sardinian troops led by Napoleon III and Victor Emmanuel II to imperial Austrian army of Francis Joseph. Fighting extended over vast front between villages of Solferino, Cavriana, and San Martino, turning into bloody chaos of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. French victory, won at cost of heavy losses, would profoundly mark consciences and lead to creation of Red Cross.