Event

Italian Campaign

Napoleon Bonaparte led the Army of Italy to a series of victories over Austrian and allied forces, establishing the military reputation that made him a national figure.

Status: draft
Event Kind: military campaign
Date Precision: day
Date Display: 10 Apr 1796 to 18 Oct 1797
Start Date: 10 Apr 1796
End Date: 18 Oct 1797

What happened

Napoleon took command of the Army of Italy in 1796 and rapidly defeated Austrian and allied armies in northern Italy. The campaign culminated in the Treaty of Campo Formio in 1797.

Why it matters

This campaign turned Napoleon from a promising officer into one of the most famous men in France. It established the prestige that later made his political intervention credible.

Notes

Use this as the opening military phase of Napoleon's rise.