June 14, 1800 · Piedmont, Northern Italy Theater
June 14, 1800
Marengo was nearly a catastrophic French defeat that became a legendary victory by the narrowest margin in military history. Napoleon had crossed the Alps with his army and positioned himself to cut Austrian communications — but the Austrian General Melas attacked first with overwhelming force. By early afternoon the French line had been shattered, Melas had sent dispatches announcing his victory, and Napoleon's position was near collapse. Then General Desaix arrived with a fresh division after a forced march, assessed the situation, and said: 'The battle is lost — but there is still time to win another.' He attacked. The Austrian army, celebrating victory and unwound from its march, was struck by a combined infantry-cavalry assault that shattered it completely. Desaix was killed in the charge that saved Napoleon.
Commanders