Battles & Campaigns · 1796
Battle of Montenotte
Montenotte, Liguria, Italy
What happened
It was the opening of Bonaparte's first campaign in Italy. On 11 April Austrian troops failed to take a French hilltop position. Overnight Bonaparte moved two divisions into place, and the next morning, after the fog lifted, they attacked the weak Austrian flank and the Austrians retreated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It cut the link between the Austrian army and its Sardinian allies. Bonaparte could then beat each of them separately.
What came next
Within ten days the French won again at Millesimo, Dego and Mondovì.
Did you know?
One officer, Antoine Rampon, reportedly rallied his wavering men by having them swear to 'conquer or die'.
Timeline
- 12 April 1796Battle of Montenotte.
- 13 April 1796Battle of Millesimo.
- 14–15 April 1796Second Battle of Dego.
- 21 April 1796Battle of Mondovì.