On 14 June 1800 Napoleon defeated the Austrians under Melas at Marengo, near Alessandria in Piedmont. The Austrians had the better of the morning, but a late French counterattack led by Desaix, and a cavalry charge under Kellermann, turned the battle. Desaix was shot dead at the decisive moment.
A battle nearly lost
The Austrians had about 31,000 men; according to World History Encyclopedia, they opened the battle with a bombardment from 92 guns. The French had about 23,000 men on the field when the fighting began, rising to about 28,000 after Desaix's division arrived.1
The Austrian attack broke the French center at first. A late counterattack then sent the Austrians back toward Alessandria.2
The aftermath
The day after the battle Melas agreed to the Convention of Alessandria: the Austrians withdrew behind the Mincio and gave up the fortresses of Piedmont and Lombardy. The victory strengthened Bonaparte's hold on power as First Consul.3
Also on this day
1807: Battle of Friedland. Napoleon's army met the Russians of General Bennigsen near Friedland, in today's Kaliningrad region, after Bennigsen tried to crush an isolated French corps.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Marengo?
It was fought on 14 June 1800 near Alessandria in Piedmont, Italy, during the War of the Second Coalition.
Who won the Battle of Marengo?
The French, under Napoleon Bonaparte, defeated the Austrians under Michael von Melas.
What happened to Desaix?
Louis Desaix was shot from his horse at the decisive moment of the French counterattack.
Notes
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