The Italian campaign of 1796-1797, waged by a young Napoleon Bonaparte, was a decisive campaign in the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802). It led to the defeat of Austria, the beginning of French control of northern Italy, and the end of the war, but most importantly, it launched Bonaparte himself to new heights of fame and power.
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Definition
Timeline
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27 Mar 1796General Napoleon Bonaparte takes command of the Army of Italy.
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10 Apr 1796 - 2 Apr 1797Napoleon Bonaparte's Italian Campaign.
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12 Apr 1796Bonaparte defeats an Austrian-Piedmontese army at the Battle of Mottenotte, his first victory in command of an army.
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28 Apr 1796General Bonaparte secures the surrender of Piedmont-Sardinia with the armistice of Cherasco.
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10 May 1796The Battle of Lodi results in a French victory over Austria.
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15 May 1796Bonaparte's Army of Italy enters Milan.
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2 Jun 1796 - 2 Feb 1797Bonaparte's Army of Italy lays siege to Mantua.
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5 Aug 1796General Bonaparte defeats Austrian general Wurmser at the Battle of Castiglione.
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8 Sep 1796Bonaparte defeats Wurmser again at the First Battle of Bassano.
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15 Nov 1796 - 17 Nov 1796The Battle of Arcole results in a French victory over Austria.
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14 Jan 1797 - 15 Jan 1797General Bonaparte's Army of Italy wins the Battle of Rivoli, ending Austrian control of northern Italy.
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17 Oct 1797Austria and France sign the Treaty of Campo Formio, ending the War of the First Coalition.
