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.