Battles & Campaigns · 1814
Battle of the Mincio River
Mincio River, near Mantua, Lombardy, Italy
What happened
Each side expected the other to stay put, so both were surprised when fighting began along the Mincio River. The French pushed south of the river, while Austrian troops held their ground around Pozzolo. Night stopped the French from taking the Borghetto bridge.
Why it matters
Bellegarde pulled back across the river, and Eugène withdrew to Mantua. The battle had little effect, because the war was being decided in France.
What came next
Eugène fought on in Italy until Napoleon abdicated in April 1814, then signed an agreement ending the fighting.
Did you know?
It was fought on the same ground as Napoleon's 1796 victory at Borghetto.
Timeline
- 30 May 1796Battle of Borghetto on the same river.
- 8 Feb 1814Battle of the Mincio River.
- Apr 1814Napoleon abdicates.
- 16 Apr 1814Eugène signs the Convention of Schiarino-Rizzino.