Battles & Campaigns · 1796
Battle of Borghetto
Borghetto, Valeggio sul Mincio, Italy
What happened
The Austrians had spread their troops along the Mincio River instead of guarding the bridges in strength, and Beaulieu was ill. After a feint toward Peschiera, the French forced their way across the bridge at Borghetto and pushed uphill to Valeggio. The Austrians withdrew north toward Trento.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The Austrian retreat left the fortress of Mantua cut off, and the French began to besiege it.
What came next
The siege of Mantua became the centre of the war in northern Italy until it surrendered in February 1797.
Did you know?
Austrian horsemen nearly captured Bonaparte at Valeggio, so he formed a bodyguard called the Guides, which later grew into a unit of the Imperial Guard.
Timeline
- 30 May 1796Battle of Borghetto.
- June 1796The French begin to besiege Mantua.
- 2 February 1797Mantua surrenders.