The Battle of Marengo,
fought on June 14, 1800, brought to a close the last of the French
Revolutionary Wars which had gripped Europe for a decade. Defeat in the field
forced the Austrian government to the bargaining table by Autumn, and ushered
in several years of needed peace on terms very favorable to France.
Unfortunately the very crucial nature of this period also resulted in much
confusion about the events and their participants. A classic example of this is
Marengo, which was one of the more interesting and certainly most pivotal
battles of that time. This combination of importance and uncertainty have
fueled two centuries of speculation, propaganda and controversy.
This
WTJ Special Feature is an on-line center of learning about this battle. It
features short summaries for beginning students, detailed analysis of the
engagement for more serious readers and primary materials for researchers in
the field. Those interested in contributing articles or primary research
material to this site are encouraged to contact the WTJ webmaster for further
details.
"You see how matters stand, I can no
longer put off the attack without danger of being myself attacked under
disadvantageous circumstances : if I delay I shall be beaten, and I have no
relish for that." General Louis Desaix,
June 14, 1800
The Battle of Marengo,
fought on June 14, 1800, brought to a close the last of the French
Revolutionary Wars which had gripped Europe for a decade. Defeat in the field
forced the Austrian government to the bargaining table by Autumn, and ushered
in several years of needed peace on terms very favorable to France.
Unfortunately the very crucial nature of this period also resulted in much
confusion about the events and their participants. A classic example of this is
Marengo, which was one of the more interesting and certainly most pivotal
battles of that time. This combination of importance and uncertainty have
fueled two centuries of speculation, propaganda and controversy.