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In the summer of 1793, the French
Revolution was entering its fourth year,
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and France was on the verge of anarchy.
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In Paris, political extremists had
seized control of the Revolution.
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They'd guillotined the king...
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and imposed a Reign of Terror that dealt summary
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justice to all suspected
enemies of the Revolution.
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Hoping to unify the new republic, France'
leaders had declared war on the Habsburg Empire.
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But the conflict quickly widened, and
soon France was facing the combined
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might of Europe's leading powers, determined to
stamp out her dangerous political experiment.
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Meanwhile, whole regions of France
had come out in open revolt,
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horrified by the new extremism of the Revolution.
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In August, the Republic suffered a further,
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potentially fatal, blow, when the
city of Toulon joined the revolt.
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Toulon was France's largest and most
important naval base in the south,
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home to a third of the entire French navy.
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But now rebels welcomed their old
enemy, the British Royal Navy,
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into the port, led by Admiral
Lord Hood aboard HMS Victory.
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It was an extraordinary coup – without a
shot being fired, the Allies had crippled
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French naval power in the Mediterranean, and
gained a vital toehold on the French coast.
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All French forces in the area were immediately
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diverted to face this new threat,
and lay siege to the rebel port...
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19,000 troops in all - but since most French
officers had been aristocrats, who were now
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fleeing the Revolution in large numbers, they
were seriously short of professional leadership.
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Their commander, General Jean-Francois
Carteaux, was a loyal Republican,
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but a court painter by trade,
with no military training.
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To make matters worse, one of
his few professional officers,
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his artillery commander Colonel Donmartin, had
been badly wounded on the approach to Toulon.
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Antoine Saliceti, a Corsican deputy
of the National Convention in Paris,
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recommended as his replacement a fellow
countryman... a 24-year-old artillery
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officer who was passing Toulon en route to the
front, named Napoleone Buonaparte, or Bonaparte.
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Bonaparte was a professional soldier, but he'd
seen almost no active service. Nevertheless,
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Saliceti was impressed by his manner, and
most of all, his politics – Bonaparte had
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just written a political pamphlet: a short
story about a young artillery officer,
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who berates his fellow diners for
their disloyalty to the Republic.
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General Carteaux thought it wise to
accept Deputy Saliceti's recommendation.
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The great port of Toulon was well defended by city
walls and a dozen outlying forts and redoubts.
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They were held by 2,000 British soldiers
and sailors, 6,000 Spanish troops,
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6,000 Neapolitans, and 800 Sardinians.
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Artillery would be the key to
overcoming these formidable defences.
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But when Bonaparte was put in command
of the artillery on 16th September, he
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found himself with few cannon, not enough trained
gun-crews, and a shortage of gunpowder and shot.
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With relentless energy and determination,
Bonaparte transformed the situation,
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requisitioning unused guns, training infantrymen
to work them, setting up a new forge and workshop,
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and arranging transport from Marseilles of
100,000 sandbags, for constructing new batteries.
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Through hard work, he was ultimately
able to build his force up to 64 officers
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and fifteen hundred men, manning
100 cannon, howitzers and mortars.
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Within days Bonaparte had established two new
forward batteries, with good revolutionary
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names – La Montagne and Sans-Culottes – which
brought Toulon's inner harbour within range,
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and forced Admiral Hood to move
all his ships closer to the port.
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Bonaparte also came up with a plan – one
that would allow the French to bypass most
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of Toulon's defences, and secure the rapid
victory the Republic so desperately needed.
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Bonaparte argued that if Fort L'Eguilette could
be captured, which looked out across the harbour,
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he could fill it with heavy guns, and shell
the British and Spanish fleet at anchor.
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Admiral Hood would be forced to abandon the port,
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and take with him the Allied soldiers
that Toulon relied on for its defence.
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General Carteaux saw the
merits of Bonaparte's plan,
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and on 22nd September, French
forces attacked Mont Caire.
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But to Bonaparte's exasperation, while
he'd argued for an attack by 3,000 men,
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the indecisive Carteux committed only 400.
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Not only was the attack easily repulsed,
but it alerted the Allies to the danger:
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within 48 hours, they'd reinforced
Mont Caire with thousands more troops,
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and built a new fort, named Fort
Mulgrave, bristling with 20 cannon.
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The position was now so strong the
French nicknamed it, 'Little Gibraltar'.
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Finally, in mid-November, an experienced,
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professional soldier arrived to take
command of French forces, General Dugommier.
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He saw at once that Bonaparte's plan was the only
way to take Toulon, and gave it his full backing.
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Bonaparte, promoted to Major, got to work,
overseeing construction of several more
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batteries in preparation for the decisive assault.
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One forward battery was so exposed
to enemy fire that men refused to
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be sent there. So Bonaparte renamed it 'La
Batterie des Hommes sans Peur' – the Battery
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of Men Without Fear... and suddenly,
there was no shortage of volunteers.
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It was an early display of Napoleon's
genius for inspiring his soldiers - one
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that would serve him well in the years ahead.
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On 30th November, the Allied land forces
commander, British General Charles O'Hara,
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tried to seize back the initiative,
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leading an assault on the new French
batteries facing Fort Malbousquet.
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At first, the attack was successful: the batteries
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were overrun and the French guns spiked, but
a counterattack, with much greater numbers,
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and led in person by General Dugommier and
Major Bonaparte, drove back the Allies.
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General O'Hara himself was shot through
the hand and captured. Twelve years before,
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he'd surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown,
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during the American War of Independence. Now
he got to surrender to Napoleon Bonaparte.
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In the early hours of 18th December,
in howling wind and driving rain,
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the French launched a major
assault on Fort Mulgrave.
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The wet conditions made muskets useless,
except as clubs, or with bayonets.
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Bonaparte led the second wave in person. Amid
fierce hand-to-hand fighting, his horse was
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killed under him, and he was bayonetted in
the thigh by a British sergeant – a wound
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that came within inches of ending his life
and radically changing the course of history.
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Finally the Allied garrison was overwhelmed,
and Mulgrave fell to the French.
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Fort L'Eguilette and Tour de la Balaquier
were soon also in French hands...
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By the following afternoon, the French
had 10 heavy guns in L'Eguilette,
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placing the Allied ships within range.
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Admiral Hood could not expose his valuable
ships-of-the-line to such a threat. He had no
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option but to order an immediate evacuation
of the fleet and garrison from Toulon.
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Small Spanish and British teams
raced to destroy all the French
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ships and naval stores that
they couldn't take with them.
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But amid the chaos of their departure,
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18 ships-of-the line were allowed to fall back
into French hands – a badly missed opportunity.
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Many French citizens of Toulon were
desperate to escape aboard the Allied
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ships, knowing that the Republicans would
inflict terrible reprisals on the city.
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British and Spanish ships
took as many as they could,
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about 14,000 in all – but scores were
drowned amid chaotic and desperate scenes.
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Others were left to face the
wrath of the Revolution...
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Republican troops entered the city the
next morning, and executions and firing
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squads began almost immediately. For the next
two weeks, about 200 were executed every day.
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Allied propaganda later blamed
Bonaparte for the atrocities,
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but there's no evidence he was directly involved.
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France's young republic was now fighting back
on all fronts. And with the fall of Toulon,
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the Allies had lost a golden opportunity
– a chance to stir up further revolt,
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deal a lasting blow to French naval power...
perhaps even overturn the Revolution.
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But instead, the French Republic had weathered
one of its greatest storms.... In no small part,
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thanks to the remarkable judgement, energy, and
courage of one 24-year-old artillery officer,
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now promoted Brigadier General in recognition
of his extraordinary service at Toulon.
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Napoleon Bonaparte had taken his
first step on the path to greatness.
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In 1796, at the height of the
French Revolutionary Wars,
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a young French general took charge of a
ragged, demoralised army in northern Italy.
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It was his first command.
Many expected him to fail.
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Instead, in just one month, he
won his first brilliant campaign.
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With astonishing self-confidence, boldness and
energy… he led his army to victory after victory…
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transforming the war in Europe… winning praise
from a grateful Republic… and forging a legend…
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This is the story of Napoleon Bonaparte’s
first campaign, and the dawn of a new age.
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1792. Europe is plunged into
conflict by revolution in France.
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At first, it seems this infant republic will
be quickly snuffed out by her neighbours.
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Incredibly, France clings on,
thanks to mass mobilisation,
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patriotic fervour, and her
traditional military power.
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In 1795, France occupies the Low Countries…
while Prussia and Spain withdraw from the war.
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But the French Republic still faces
a powerful coalition of enemies,
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which includes the Austrian Empire.. and
Kingdoms of Piedmont-Sardinia.. Naples.. and
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Great Britain.. as well as a counter-revolutionary
revolt in the Vendée region of western France.
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In Paris, the most extreme revolutionaries
had been toppled, sent to the guillotine,
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as they had sent so many before them.
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France is now governed by ‘the Directory’
– a more moderate five-man committee..
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which quickly wins a reputation
for corruption and inefficiency.
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Nevertheless, in 1796 they plan
a major military offensive,
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to knock their most dangerous
adversary – Austria - out of the war.
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The two main efforts will be made along the Rhine,
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by powerful armies under General
Jourdan.. and General Moreau.
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A third effort – of which much less is
expected – will be made in Northern Italy.
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The French ‘Army of Italy’ is a poor
cousin – starved of money and supplies,
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stripped of troops to reinforce
French forces on the Rhine.
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But its fortunes are about to change.
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On 2nd March 1796, the Directory appoint
a new commander to lead the army - one
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of France’s youngest generals, Napoleon Bonaparte.
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Napoleon arrives at the Army of Italy’s
headquarters in Nice on 25th March.
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He is just 26 years old.
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2 years have passed since he masterminded
French victory at the siege of Toulon.
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Since then, his fortunes have been mixed: a
short spell as artillery commander in Italy;
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ten days in jail when his political patrons
fell from power; he then refused to serve in the
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Vendée, fighting French counter-revolutionaries
–leading to several months’ unemployment in Paris.
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Then, an extraordinary break:
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13 Vendémiaire, Paris. A royalist
mob threatens to storm the national
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government. Napoleon is the closest general
to hand, and put in charge of its defence.
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He disperses the crowds with brutal efficiency…
and is acclaimed, ‘Saviour of the Revolution’.
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A grateful Directory promotes
Napoleon to General of Division,
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and awards him command of the Army of Italy.
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On 9th March he marries his great love,
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Joséphine de Beauharnais…. and
leaves for the front two days later.
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There are French generals in Italy with
a better claim to command than Napoleon:
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Sérurier, a professional soldier who
first saw action in the Seven Years’ War,
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a decade before Napoleon was born.
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Augereau, a tough, experienced soldier,
bold tactician and committed republican.
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And Masséna, risen from the ranks, fearless,
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tireless, hero of the Battle of Loano
against the Austrians the year before.
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All three would later become
Marshals of Napoleon’s empire.
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For now, Napoleon seems to these veterans young
and under-qualified… a political appointment,
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embarrassingly infatuated with his new wife.
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But there is something about the Corsican.
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As Masséna observed, “His small size and
puny face did not put him in their favour…
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but as soon as he donned his general’s
hat, he seemed to grow by two feet.”
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Napoleon impresses above all with his
tireless energy. And he has much to do.
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His army is organised into Masséna’s Advance Guard
of two divisions, one led by a hard-fighting Swiss
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general La Harpe, the other by Meynier,
whom Napoleon soon decides is incompetent.
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The main body comprises the
divisions of Augereau, Sérurier,
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and two smaller divisions
under Macquard and Garnier.
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The cavalry is led by General Stengel.
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But the Army of Italy has been shockingly
neglected by the Directory. The men are hungry
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and unpaid, with a few units on the verge of
mutiny. Some men don’t even have shoes or muskets.
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Napoleon inspects the troops and studies reports.
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He enforces discipline and breaks up rotten units.
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He is assisted by his aides-de-camp - Junot,
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Marmont and a dashing cavalry
colonel, Joachim Murat.
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As Emperor, Napoleon will make two
of these men Dukes, and one, a King.
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His most valuable assistant is his new Chief
of Staff, General Berthier, who helps him to
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reorganise the army’s supply system, and scour
southern France for food, transport and forage.
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The situation begins to improve.
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But Napoleon knows what will really
rejuvenate his ragged divisions:
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victory in battle, and the promise of plunder.
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Napoleon has spent two years studying
the situation in Northern Italy,
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and the history of past wars here.
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He has developed clear plans on how the campaign
must be fought. Now he will put them into action.
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Napoleon - with 38,000 troops - outnumbers
the Piedmontese and the Austrian army.
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But if they combine, he will be outnumbered.
So he must prevent this at all costs.
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His plan bears all the hallmarks of what will
become known as the Napoleonic art of war:
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A bold, rapid advance… not against
the expected target, Genoa, but Dego.
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Here he will occupy ‘the central
position’... and prise his enemies apart.
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He knows that when threatened,
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the Piedmontese will retreat on their
capital, Turin; the Austrians, on Milan.
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With his enemies divided, unable to support
each other, he can defeat each in detail.
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Napoleon’s plan will be aided by the
fragility of the Austro-Piedmontese alliance;
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they regard each other with deep
distrust after years of rivalry.
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The new Austrian commander, General Beaulieu, is
experienced, and was once considered energetic.
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But he is now 70 years old…
and does not know Italy.
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He is convinced the French will
target Genoa – the port used by
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the British to supply their coalition allies...
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So much so, that he rejects Piedmontese
plans for close co-operation. Their troops
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remain scattered across mountain passes,
in a general defence against invasion.
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On 4th April, Napoleon moves his
headquarters forward to Albenga,
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in preparation for his offensive.
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But Beaulieu strikes first.
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On 10th April, Austrian troops take Voltri, to
disrupt the expected French attack on Genoa.
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The small French garrison falls back to
join Masséna’s advance guard at Savona.
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00:23:13,640 --> 00:23:19,520
But Beaulieu’s fixation with Genoa
is playing into Napoleon’s hands.
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Dego – with its vital crossroads that link
the Piedmontese and Austrian armies – is
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covered by just 8,000 men of Argenteau’s corps.
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00:23:29,160 --> 00:23:32,080
Mountainous terrain means Beaulieu can only march
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to Argenteau’s aid via Acqui –
more than 20 miles to the north.
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What’s more, Argenteau has orders to
take French positions at Montenotte,
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as a diversion for the attack at Voltri.
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00:23:46,440 --> 00:23:53,800
But the French cling on courageously. Corporal
Rouach particularly distinguishes himself,
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exposing himself to enemy fire
to shoot down on the enemy.
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His commander, Colonel Rampon, tells his men,
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“Here, we must conquer or die.” – a moment
which quickly enters French military folklore.
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It’s the perfect set up for Napoleon - the
enemy’s attention is focused on Voltri,
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and Argenteau’s corps has
been left dangerously exposed.
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00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:27,640
He swings into action… sending La Harpe’s division
to reinforce Rampon’s troops, while Masséna makes
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00:24:27,640 --> 00:24:36,080
a tough night march across steep ravines, in
rain and fog, to turn Argenteau’s right flank.
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By dawn the Austrians are outnumbered, outflanked,
and under heavy attack… They retreat in disarray.
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Napoleon orders Masséna to move on Dego, while
he turns his attention to the Piedmontese.
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But Augereau’s advance gets held up at Cosseria.
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The old castle is held by Piedmontese
and Croatian grenadiers. The French
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launch frontal attacks into withering
fire, and suffer hundreds of casualties.
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When the colonel of the
18th Demi-Brigade is killed,
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a 26-year-old Louis-Gabriel
Suchet takes over command.
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“I have never seen fire like it,”
wrote Marmont, Napoleon’s aide-de-camp.
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00:25:31,720 --> 00:25:38,040
Despite heroic resistance, the hopelessly
outnumbered garrison surrenders the next day.
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00:25:38,040 --> 00:25:43,160
With Sérurier’s division also advancing
from the south, Piedmontese commander
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00:25:43,160 --> 00:25:48,840
General Colli has little choice but to
abandon his position at Montezemolo.
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The same day, under Napoleon’s
watchful eye, Masséna takes Dego.
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But while La Harpe’s division
moves off to reinforce Augereau,
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hungry French troops left in
Dego turn to plunder and pillage.
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No one spots Colonel Vukassovich, a tough Croatian
commander, approaching with 3,000 reinforcements.
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He attacks at dawn, routing the
French and retaking Dego with ease.
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00:26:21,520 --> 00:26:24,520
It requires the recall of La Harpe’s division,
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and another day of heavy combat, before
Vukassovich can be driven out of Dego.
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A bayonet charge led by 27-year-old Colonel Lannes
wins particular praise from General Bonaparte.
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00:26:41,600 --> 00:26:45,960
Napoleon has won three victories in 4 days. The
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00:26:45,960 --> 00:26:52,960
marches and battles have been gruelling.
But he has achieved his first objective:
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00:26:52,960 --> 00:26:58,240
The Austrians are regrouping at Acqui,
and will soon retreat to Alessandria.
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They can offer no support to the Piedmontese.
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00:27:03,760 --> 00:27:07,200
And so General Colli orders another withdrawal,
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00:27:07,200 --> 00:27:12,200
to a strong defensive position
behind the Corsaglia River.
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00:27:12,200 --> 00:27:16,960
Napoleon orders an immediate attack:
Augereau’s division on the right,
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00:27:16,960 --> 00:27:21,880
Sérurier on the left, Masséna in support.
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00:27:21,880 --> 00:27:28,160
But the French, under heavy fire, struggle to
cross the swollen river with its steep banks.
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00:27:29,040 --> 00:27:32,680
When Sérurier’s troops
finally get into San Michele,
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00:27:32,680 --> 00:27:38,920
they immediately begin looting the town,
and are thrown out by a counterattack.
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00:27:38,920 --> 00:27:42,920
Despite his success, Colli is
still heavily outnumbered and
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00:27:42,920 --> 00:27:50,080
fears encirclement. The following evening,
he begins a covert withdrawal to Mondovì.
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00:27:50,080 --> 00:27:54,480
But Napoleon is not deceived
by the fake campfires…
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Patrols confirm his suspicions - the
Piedmontese are pulling back. Though
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00:28:00,280 --> 00:28:08,920
his troops are exhausted, wet and hungry,
he launches them after the fleeing enemy.
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00:28:08,920 --> 00:28:14,240
Colli’s troops are caught before they
can establish a new defensive line...
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00:28:14,240 --> 00:28:18,960
The brave and popular General Dichat is killed…
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00:28:18,960 --> 00:28:23,480
Retreat turns to rout.
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00:28:23,480 --> 00:28:45,680
The French enter Mondovì in triumph… where
at last, briefly, they can eat and rest.
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00:28:45,680 --> 00:28:52,680
General Colli, his defeated troops scattered
and demoralised, requests an armistice.
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00:28:52,680 --> 00:29:01,040
Napoleon declines, as his troops descend from the
mountains, into the fertile plain of Piedmont.
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00:29:01,040 --> 00:29:09,160
Destitute and starved, French soldiers now
plunder the Italian countryside freely.
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00:29:09,160 --> 00:29:14,560
Brigadier General Joubert is among
those frustrated by the men’s conduct.
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“Everything would go very well if the
soldiers did not abandon themselves
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00:29:18,440 --> 00:29:24,480
to pillage. Not a day passes without some
looters being shot. Despite this severity,
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00:29:24,480 --> 00:29:30,400
the mania doesn’t stop: the rural
folk are arming themselves…”
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00:29:30,400 --> 00:29:37,400
Napoleon condemns such behaviour, but his orders
have limited impact - especially as everyone
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00:29:37,400 --> 00:29:44,080
knows generals Masséna and Augereau
to be two of the greatest offenders.
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00:29:44,080 --> 00:29:53,360
On 25th April, French troops enter Cherasco, just
30 miles south of the Piedmontese capital, Turin.
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00:29:53,360 --> 00:30:01,720
Meanwhile, General Beaulieu is at long last
marching to Piedmont’s aid. But he is a week late.
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00:30:01,720 --> 00:30:05,600
And when he learns that Piedmont has
opened negotiations with the enemy,
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00:30:05,600 --> 00:30:12,640
he withdraws his troops in disgust, planning
to take up new positions along the Po River.
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00:30:12,640 --> 00:30:18,440
Austrian troops join in the plunder
of Piedmontese villages as they go.
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00:30:18,440 --> 00:30:22,400
Victor Amadeus the Third,
King of Piedmont-Sardinia,
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00:30:22,400 --> 00:30:27,600
sees no option but to accept
Bonaparte’s terms for an armistice.
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00:30:27,600 --> 00:30:34,760
Piedmont must give up the strategic fortresses
at Cuneo, and either Alessandria or Tortona,
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00:30:34,760 --> 00:30:39,320
leaving the country virtually defenceless.
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00:30:39,320 --> 00:30:43,160
The final peace treaty, signed
three weeks later in Paris,
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00:30:43,160 --> 00:30:50,640
cedes Nice and Savoy to France, and
grants free passage to French armies.
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00:30:50,640 --> 00:30:57,920
Napoleon has ended the four-year war
with Piedmont in less than 3 weeks.
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00:31:13,720 --> 00:31:19,800
The Army of Italy has little time to
rest on its laurels. Four days later,
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00:31:19,800 --> 00:31:27,040
having received 7,000 reinforcements and
fresh supplies, it’s on the move again.
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00:31:27,040 --> 00:31:30,840
Napoleon plans to invade the
rich province of Lombardy,
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00:31:30,840 --> 00:31:36,640
ruled by the Emperor of Austria,
and defeat Beaulieu’s army.
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00:31:36,640 --> 00:31:43,640
But first he must cross the Po River, which
is closely watched by Austrian forces.
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00:31:43,640 --> 00:31:47,760
It will prove one of Napoleon’s
most brilliant manoeuvres.
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00:31:47,760 --> 00:31:53,880
Masséna is ordered to make conspicuous
preparations to cross the river near Sale,
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00:31:53,880 --> 00:31:58,280
assembling boats, and building gun batteries.
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00:31:58,280 --> 00:32:05,680
Meanwhile, Napoleon has formed a new elite
brigade: 5,000 grenadiers, carabiniers and
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00:32:05,680 --> 00:32:12,200
chasseurs, to act as the army’s advance guard,
under the command of General Dallemagne.
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00:32:12,200 --> 00:32:20,840
This force is ordered to march rapidly east to
Piacenza, and cover 40 miles in just 36 hours.
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00:32:20,840 --> 00:32:27,440
They are followed by La Harpe’s
division, then Augereau, and the cavalry.
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00:32:27,440 --> 00:32:33,280
Beaulieu receives reports that French troops
are moving east, and begins to redeploy his
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00:32:33,280 --> 00:32:38,760
forces – while remaining conscious that there
are still French troops that might cross the
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00:32:38,760 --> 00:32:47,240
Po as far west as Valenza. This uncertainty makes
it impossible for him to concentrate his forces.
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00:32:47,240 --> 00:32:55,360
What’s more, he’s completely underestimated
the scale and speed of Napoleon’s move.
303
00:32:55,360 --> 00:33:01,760
The French Advance Guard, with Colonel Lannes
in the lead, crosses the Po on 7th May,
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00:33:01,760 --> 00:33:08,600
chasing off Austrian patrols
that are the only opposition.
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00:33:08,600 --> 00:33:13,800
By the next morning, most of La Harpe’s
and Augereau’s divisions, and the cavalry,
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00:33:13,800 --> 00:33:17,240
are across, consolidating the French bridgehead…
307
00:33:17,240 --> 00:33:22,600
while Masséna and Sérurier move to
the crossing as fast as they can.
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00:33:22,600 --> 00:33:28,160
Men of General Lipthay’s division
are the closest Austrian troops.
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00:33:28,160 --> 00:33:35,880
They take up defensive positions at Fombio,
but are overwhelmed by the French attack.
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00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:38,920
That evening, Beaulieu’s advance guard arrives,
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00:33:38,920 --> 00:33:46,120
expecting to reinforce Lipthay. Instead
they blunder into La Harpe’s division. In
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00:33:46,120 --> 00:33:53,400
confused night fighting, General La Harpe
is shot dead, possibly by friendly fire.
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00:33:53,400 --> 00:34:00,680
Napoleon regards him as one of the army’s
best generals, and his loss, a great blow.
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00:34:00,680 --> 00:34:03,520
Beaulieu, realising that the French have crossed
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00:34:03,520 --> 00:34:10,360
the Po in force and now threaten to cut
him off, orders a rapid withdrawal east.
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00:34:10,360 --> 00:34:18,520
Milan is to be sacrificed. The great
fortress of Mantua will be his next refuge.
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00:34:18,520 --> 00:34:21,679
The French Advance Guard is soon in pursuit.
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00:34:21,679 --> 00:34:27,719
On the morning of 10th May, they
catch the Austrian rearguard at Lodi.
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00:34:32,600 --> 00:34:36,199
French troops chase the Austrians across town..
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00:34:36,199 --> 00:34:41,760
and over the town’s 200-yard
bridge over the River Adda.
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00:34:41,760 --> 00:34:45,920
But when they try to follow, they
find the bridge is swept by fire
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00:34:45,920 --> 00:34:53,920
from 14 guns. Its far end is held by
3 battalions of Croatian infantry.
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00:34:53,920 --> 00:34:57,720
Several more battalions and
cavalry squadrons are behind them,
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00:34:57,720 --> 00:35:03,160
in reserve – around 6,500 men in total.
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00:35:03,160 --> 00:35:10,600
Napoleon soon arrives, and positions guns
to bombard the Austrians on the far bank.
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00:35:10,600 --> 00:35:16,120
An artillery duel rages for much of the afternoon.
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00:35:16,120 --> 00:35:21,160
Napoleon sends Beaumont’s cavalry
brigade upstream to look for a ford,
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00:35:21,160 --> 00:35:25,840
so they can cross the river and
flank the Austrian defences.
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00:35:25,840 --> 00:35:27,640
But he grows impatient.
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00:35:28,600 --> 00:35:32,080
Masséna’s division has begun
to arrive from the south,
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00:35:32,080 --> 00:35:37,520
bringing his strength up
to 15,000 men and 30 guns.
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00:35:37,520 --> 00:35:41,360
Napoleon makes a speech to
the infantry, taunting them,
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00:35:41,360 --> 00:35:46,520
daring them to take the bridge
– then orders them forward.
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00:35:46,520 --> 00:35:54,200
To cries of ‘Vive la Republique’, the hardened
2nd Carabinier battalion leads the charge.
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00:35:54,200 --> 00:35:57,640
They come under torrential
fire from the Austrian guns.
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00:35:59,680 --> 00:36:03,000
But urged on by Napoleon, Berthier, Masséna,
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00:36:03,000 --> 00:36:12,760
Lannes and others, French infantry surge
across, under and around the bridge.
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00:36:12,760 --> 00:36:15,160
Faced with this irresistible onslaught,
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00:36:15,160 --> 00:36:21,400
the Austrian front line crumbles. And with
French cavalry across the river to the north,
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00:36:21,400 --> 00:36:27,560
the rest of the Austrian rearguard
begins an orderly withdrawal.
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00:36:43,560 --> 00:36:50,680
Five days after his victory at Lodi, Napoleon
leads his army into the city of Milan.
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00:36:50,680 --> 00:36:57,800
They are welcomed by cheering crowds –
though in reality, Italians are deeply
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00:36:57,800 --> 00:37:02,960
divided in their attitudes towards the French.
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00:37:02,960 --> 00:37:08,320
After Lodi, French soldiers have a new
nickname for their general - ‘le petit
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00:37:08,320 --> 00:37:15,480
caporal’, the little corporal. It’s a term
of affection, because he get his hands dirty,
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00:37:15,480 --> 00:37:22,320
even aiming the guns himself -
the job of an artillery corporal.
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00:37:22,320 --> 00:37:29,240
In just a month, Napoleon has transformed a
war-weary, dishevelled and demoralised army
348
00:37:29,240 --> 00:37:38,080
into a victorious fighting force, brimming with
esprit de corps and eager for further conquests.
349
00:37:38,080 --> 00:37:42,560
While he, in his first campaign,
has demonstrated extraordinary
350
00:37:42,560 --> 00:37:53,080
energy… mastery of detail… brilliant military
intuition… above all, indomitable self-belief.
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00:37:53,080 --> 00:38:00,040
It is this quality that inspires his
soldiers to risk their lives… for glory,
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00:38:00,040 --> 00:38:13,920
for the republic… and for the man they
will one day acclaim their emperor.
353
00:38:13,920 --> 00:38:20,880
May 1796. The French Revolutionary
Wars have entered their fifth year.
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00:38:20,880 --> 00:38:27,440
And on what most consider to be a secondary
front, there has been a stunning development…
355
00:38:28,280 --> 00:38:31,560
A 26-year-old General of the French Republic,
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00:38:31,560 --> 00:38:37,560
Napoleon Bonaparte, has waged a lightning
campaign across northern Italy… defeating
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00:38:37,560 --> 00:38:44,000
the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia.. and
driving the Austrians across Lombardy.
358
00:38:44,000 --> 00:38:49,040
2,000 Austrian troops remain
holed up in Milan’s citadel,
359
00:38:49,040 --> 00:38:56,320
but they cannot prevent his triumphal
entry into the city on 15th May.
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00:38:56,320 --> 00:39:00,880
Now the French general holds
court at the Palazzo Serbelloni,
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00:39:00,880 --> 00:39:08,880
issuing decrees on behalf of the Directory in
Paris, while his troops enjoy several days’ rest.
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00:39:08,880 --> 00:39:16,040
Lombardy is to be reorganised as a French
client-state, known as the Lombardic Republic.
363
00:39:16,040 --> 00:39:19,920
Political and economic reforms
sweep away the old Austrian
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00:39:19,920 --> 00:39:25,880
state.. to the delight of Italian
intellectuals in cities like Milan.
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00:39:25,880 --> 00:39:32,000
But the French also demand 20 million francs
to help pay for the war… while their troops
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00:39:32,000 --> 00:39:38,320
requisition vast quantities of
food, horses, cattle and boots.
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00:39:38,320 --> 00:39:43,880
Most inflammatory, are their attacks on the
property and dignity of the Catholic church,
368
00:39:43,880 --> 00:39:52,680
which enrage Italian priests and peasants...
and are a gift to anti-French propagandists.
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00:39:52,680 --> 00:39:57,320
On 23rd May, as Napoleon’s troops
set off in pursuit of the Austrians…
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00:39:58,520 --> 00:40:01,920
revolt breaks out in Pavia.
371
00:40:01,920 --> 00:40:05,760
The next day there are riots in Milan.
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00:40:05,760 --> 00:40:12,040
Napoleon races back to the city,
where order is soon restored.
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00:40:12,040 --> 00:40:19,440
But on the road to Pavia, at Binasco,
he encounters a thousand armed rebels.
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00:40:19,440 --> 00:40:27,320
Colonel Lannes’ grenadiers rout the peasants,
killing a hundred, and burning the village.
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00:40:28,560 --> 00:40:36,040
“A terrible example, which will
be effective,” Napoleon writes.
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00:40:36,040 --> 00:40:41,080
Pavia is retaken the next
day with little opposition.
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00:40:41,080 --> 00:40:47,280
A score of ringleaders, including
several priests, are shot.
378
00:40:47,280 --> 00:40:56,600
Hundreds of hostages are taken from prominent
local families, to ensure future co-operation.
379
00:40:56,600 --> 00:41:01,680
Napoleon resumes his advance
east, his army now organised
380
00:41:01,680 --> 00:41:10,720
into four divisions – Kilmaine’s Advance
Guard.. Augereau.. Masséna.. and Sérurier.
381
00:41:10,720 --> 00:41:15,760
General Beaulieu’s Austrian army
holds the line of the Mincio River,
382
00:41:15,760 --> 00:41:21,520
with Lake Garda on his right, and the
great fortress of Mantua on his left.
383
00:41:21,520 --> 00:41:27,520
This, together with the fortresses at
Peschiera.. Verona.. and Legnago.. forms
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00:41:27,520 --> 00:41:36,240
the famous ‘Quadrilateral’ – four bastions
that cement Austria’s grip on northern Italy.
385
00:41:36,240 --> 00:41:43,080
But once more, Beaulieu can’t get a read on
Napoleon’s movements. He scatters his troops,
386
00:41:43,080 --> 00:41:46,640
trying to defend four potential crossing points,
387
00:41:46,640 --> 00:41:52,600
and is further distracted by fake
preparations to cross Lake Garda by boat.
388
00:41:52,600 --> 00:41:59,440
In fact, Napoleon has decided to cross the Mincio
at Borghetto… and when Kilmaine’s Advance Guard
389
00:41:59,440 --> 00:42:08,040
arrives, they find the bridge defended by a single
battalion of infantry, and handful of hussars.
390
00:42:08,040 --> 00:42:11,360
The Austrians are soon driven back… but a sudden
391
00:42:11,360 --> 00:42:15,640
counterattack nearly bags
General Bonaparte himself.
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00:42:15,640 --> 00:42:25,240
A possibly dramatised account has him hopping
over fences with one boot on to evade the hussars.
393
00:42:25,240 --> 00:42:27,520
This lucky escape leads to the formation
394
00:42:27,520 --> 00:42:33,240
of an elite cavalry detachment to
act as Napoleon’s personal escort.
395
00:42:33,240 --> 00:42:38,120
They are named the Compagnie des
Guides à Cheval; their commander
396
00:42:38,120 --> 00:42:43,480
is a young cavalry captain
named Jean-Baptiste Bessières.
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00:42:43,480 --> 00:42:49,200
In time, this unit will become the famous
Chasseurs à Cheval of the Imperial Guard,
398
00:42:49,200 --> 00:42:57,120
the Emperor’s ever-present bodyguard on campaign.
399
00:43:07,640 --> 00:43:11,160
Taken by surprise by the crossing at Borghetto,
400
00:43:11,160 --> 00:43:18,040
Beaulieu begins a withdrawal to a new
defensive line in the Adige Valley.
401
00:43:18,040 --> 00:43:22,600
However at Mantua, he leaves
behind a reinforced garrison,
402
00:43:22,600 --> 00:43:27,120
well-supplied, and ready to withstand
a siege of at least two months.
403
00:43:30,640 --> 00:43:36,160
Napoleon cannot bypass Mantua
– its garrison is too powerful.
404
00:43:36,160 --> 00:43:40,040
But the fortress-city will be
a tough nut to crack – its old
405
00:43:40,040 --> 00:43:44,280
walls surrounded on three sides
by a lake, and on the other,
406
00:43:44,280 --> 00:43:52,120
by malarial marshland. “The most unhealthy
place in Italy,” Napoleon tells the Directory.
407
00:43:52,120 --> 00:43:57,200
His biggest problem is his lack of
heavy, siege artillery. Most of these
408
00:43:57,200 --> 00:44:04,400
guns are in Milan, bombarding the
Austrians still holed up in the citadel.
409
00:44:04,400 --> 00:44:10,280
More guns were supposed to arrive by sea, but
have been intercepted by British warships,
410
00:44:10,280 --> 00:44:16,560
commanded by a certain Commodore Horatio Nelson.
411
00:44:16,560 --> 00:44:21,280
Since April, Napoleon has launched
three successful offensives,
412
00:44:21,280 --> 00:44:26,080
marched more than 200 miles, and won ten battles.
413
00:44:26,080 --> 00:44:33,600
But finally, outside the walls of
Mantua, he is brought to a halt.
414
00:44:33,600 --> 00:44:37,840
And the demands on his limited force are growing.
415
00:44:37,840 --> 00:44:42,880
He must maintain the siege of Mantua,
even though its guns outnumber his own,
416
00:44:42,880 --> 00:44:46,000
and no direct assault can be made.
417
00:44:46,000 --> 00:44:48,640
He must protect his lines of communication back to
418
00:44:48,640 --> 00:44:53,960
France.. and guard against
further revolt in Lombardy.
419
00:44:53,960 --> 00:44:56,520
And he must be ready to face the Austrians,
420
00:44:56,520 --> 00:45:06,640
who are receiving reinforcements from
Germany, and will soon counter-attack.
421
00:45:06,640 --> 00:45:10,800
To add to his problems, the French
Directory demands that he lead an
422
00:45:10,800 --> 00:45:13,760
expedition to central and southern Italy.
423
00:45:13,760 --> 00:45:16,480
He’s to threaten military occupation,
424
00:45:16,480 --> 00:45:22,400
unless these states cough up huge sums
to help fund the French war effort.
425
00:45:22,400 --> 00:45:27,080
Napoleon vehemently opposes
the idea. Marching troops
426
00:45:27,080 --> 00:45:34,440
the length of Italy in high summer, he
warns, will end in ‘sickness and death.’
427
00:45:34,440 --> 00:45:40,120
Fortunately, strong words alone
persuade Naples to sign an armistice...
428
00:45:40,120 --> 00:45:44,200
And in the end, Napoleon doesn’t
even have to go as far as Rome.
429
00:45:44,200 --> 00:45:50,600
The French march through the Duchy of Modena,
the Papal States, and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany,
430
00:45:50,600 --> 00:45:56,920
raising more than 40 million francs in tribute
from states that are powerless to resist.
431
00:45:58,560 --> 00:46:05,960
Napoleon dines in Florence with the Grand Duke
before returning to Milan. There he is reunited
432
00:46:05,960 --> 00:46:15,480
with his wife Josephine, who’s arrived from
Paris, discreetly accompanied by her new lover.
433
00:46:15,480 --> 00:46:19,840
Napoleon does not linger in Milan.
434
00:46:19,840 --> 00:46:25,160
Its citadel has finally fallen,
freeing up his siege guns. His
435
00:46:25,160 --> 00:46:31,400
troops have seized another 150 guns
from the forts of central Italy.
436
00:46:31,400 --> 00:46:36,000
Napoleon can now make
serious plans to take Mantua.
437
00:46:36,000 --> 00:46:39,480
And he has no time to lose.
438
00:46:39,480 --> 00:46:47,640
In the Tyrol, the reinforced Austrian army
is beginning to stir, under a new commander.
439
00:46:47,640 --> 00:46:57,240
Beaulieu is gone. Now 72-year-old Field Marshal
Count von Wurmser is in command, a courageous
440
00:46:57,240 --> 00:47:17,200
cavalryman, vigorous beyond his years - and
determined to avenge Austrian defeats in Italy.
441
00:47:17,200 --> 00:47:23,880
Since crossing the Mincio, Napoleon has
reorganised and redeployed his forces.
442
00:47:23,880 --> 00:47:28,920
General Masséna’s division is near
Rivoli, watching the road to the Tyrol.
443
00:47:28,920 --> 00:47:35,640
Two of his brigades, under General Sauret, are
at Salò, watching the western side of Lake Garda.
444
00:47:35,640 --> 00:47:40,520
General Despinois’ division
is in support at Peschiera.
445
00:47:40,520 --> 00:47:45,480
General Augereau’s division is around
Legnago, watching the eastern approaches...
446
00:47:45,480 --> 00:47:49,320
While Kilmaine’s cavalry mounts patrols.
447
00:47:49,320 --> 00:47:56,480
General Sérurier’s division carries
out the siege of Mantua itself.
448
00:47:56,480 --> 00:48:02,080
But Napoleon’s hopes for a rapid
conclusion to the siege are in vain.
449
00:48:02,080 --> 00:48:06,400
The Austrian garrison conducts
a skilful and active defence,
450
00:48:06,400 --> 00:48:11,560
raiding French entrenchments and seizing supplies.
451
00:48:11,560 --> 00:48:16,800
Murat - recently promoted to Brigadier
General - plans to lead a group of men
452
00:48:16,800 --> 00:48:22,640
in Austrian uniform across the lake at
night, to take the guards by surprise.
453
00:48:22,640 --> 00:48:26,760
But the operation’s abandoned when
the water level suddenly drops.
454
00:48:28,720 --> 00:48:32,120
The French step up their bombardment of the city,
455
00:48:32,120 --> 00:48:38,840
firing more than a thousand cannonballs
and mortar shells in one 6-hour period.
456
00:48:38,840 --> 00:48:47,280
Mantua is being battered to pieces,
but its walls are not yet breached.
457
00:48:47,280 --> 00:48:50,280
Napoleon is out of time.
458
00:48:50,280 --> 00:48:55,080
Field Marshal Wurmser is finally
marching to Mantua’s aid.
459
00:48:55,080 --> 00:48:58,240
He has divided his army into four columns -
460
00:48:58,240 --> 00:49:04,400
Two central columns are advancing down
the Adige valley, directly towards Mantua.
461
00:49:04,400 --> 00:49:09,280
Another column to the east is
making a wide flanking march…
462
00:49:09,280 --> 00:49:16,120
While a fourth column under General Quosdanovich
advances down the western shore of Lake Garda,
463
00:49:16,120 --> 00:49:21,520
planning to seize Brescia, and
cut Napoleon’s line of retreat.
464
00:49:21,520 --> 00:49:24,080
Masséna comes under heavy attack,
465
00:49:24,080 --> 00:49:30,080
and severely outnumbered, abandons
Rivoli and begins a fighting retreat.
466
00:49:30,080 --> 00:49:36,200
As soon as the news reaches Napoleon, he
races to Castelnuovo, ordering Augereau,
467
00:49:36,200 --> 00:49:41,600
Despinois and Kilmaine to
join him as fast as possible.
468
00:49:41,600 --> 00:49:46,960
But suddenly, it is Quosdanovich’s column
that’s emerging as the greatest threat.
469
00:49:46,960 --> 00:49:52,720
General Sauret’s troops at Salò
are heavily outnumbered. They put
470
00:49:52,720 --> 00:49:56,640
up a stiff resistance, but are forced to withdraw.
471
00:49:59,040 --> 00:50:05,200
The next day, Austrian troops surprise
the French at Brescia. They take the town,
472
00:50:05,200 --> 00:50:12,440
as well as an army hospital containing
2,000 French sick and wounded.
473
00:50:12,440 --> 00:50:21,120
Even Napoleon’s wife Josephine, en route to
Brescia, is nearly captured in the chaos.
474
00:50:21,120 --> 00:50:24,280
Wurmser has wrongfooted Napoleon.
475
00:50:24,280 --> 00:50:28,360
Already outnumbered, he’s lost 5,000 casualties;
476
00:50:28,360 --> 00:50:34,560
his left flank is in tatters, and there’s
a real possibility he may be encircled.
477
00:50:34,560 --> 00:50:37,400
It’s the greatest crisis he has faced as an army
478
00:50:37,400 --> 00:50:56,640
commander – and will force him
to make an agonising decision.
479
00:50:57,400 --> 00:51:03,520
On 31st July, after two months
of blood, sweat and sacrifice,
480
00:51:03,520 --> 00:51:09,080
General Sérurier is ordered to
abandon the siege of Mantua.
481
00:51:09,080 --> 00:51:14,080
He is to send two of his brigades
to reinforce Masséna and Augereau,
482
00:51:14,080 --> 00:51:18,960
and withdraw with the rest of his troops
to guard the army’s line of retreat.
483
00:51:18,960 --> 00:51:24,640
179 guns, plus ammunition and
supplies which cannot be moved,
484
00:51:24,640 --> 00:51:30,280
are to be buried, or tipped into the marshes.
485
00:51:30,280 --> 00:51:35,800
Napoleon needs every man he can get.
Because in the midst of the crisis,
486
00:51:35,800 --> 00:51:38,960
he has spotted an opportunity.
487
00:51:38,960 --> 00:51:42,960
Quosdanovich’s advance has caught him off guard.
488
00:51:42,960 --> 00:51:47,560
But Lake Garda separates him from
the rest of the Austrian army.
489
00:51:47,560 --> 00:51:51,160
Napoleon will concentrate his
forces against Quosdanovich,
490
00:51:51,160 --> 00:51:56,520
beat him in battle, then pivot
again, to take on Wurmser.
491
00:51:57,240 --> 00:52:00,600
The French divisions are soon on the move.
492
00:52:00,600 --> 00:52:08,640
Quosdanovich’s troops reach Lonato, but
here they encounter Masséna’s vanguard.
493
00:52:08,640 --> 00:52:11,440
The Austrians come under heavy attack,
494
00:52:11,440 --> 00:52:19,440
and with French reinforcements
arriving, they have to pull back.
495
00:52:19,440 --> 00:52:26,520
The next day the French retake Brescia, along
with most of their supplies, sick and wounded.
496
00:52:27,600 --> 00:52:33,080
Then Napoleon catches a lucky break.
497
00:52:33,080 --> 00:52:39,840
Wurmser has been on Masséna’s heels,
harrying his rearguard as far as Peschiera.
498
00:52:39,840 --> 00:52:46,280
But now he receives reports there are French
forces massing between him and Mantua.
499
00:52:46,280 --> 00:52:50,840
Mantua is his priority, so he swings south – away
500
00:52:50,840 --> 00:52:56,720
from Quosdanovich – towards a city
Napoleon has already abandoned.
501
00:52:56,720 --> 00:53:01,600
By the time Wurmser realises
his error, it’s too late.
502
00:53:01,600 --> 00:53:24,880
He has gifted Napoleon 24 crucial hours
– a blunder for which he will pay dearly.
503
00:53:24,880 --> 00:53:30,520
3rd August sees confused
fighting west of Lake Garda.
504
00:53:30,520 --> 00:53:34,760
One French brigade slips through
the wooded ravines unnoticed,
505
00:53:34,760 --> 00:53:40,280
straight into Salò, causing
havoc behind the Austrian lines.
506
00:53:40,280 --> 00:53:46,480
But the Austrians repel three attacks on
Gavardo – and all seems to be going well,
507
00:53:46,480 --> 00:53:53,800
until their own advance meets
Masséna’s division at Lonato.
508
00:53:53,800 --> 00:53:58,080
Masséna’s counter-attack is
led by the 32nd Demi-Brigade,
509
00:53:58,080 --> 00:54:03,920
which is becoming known as one of the
Army of Italy’s most feared units.
510
00:54:03,920 --> 00:54:12,920
“Bayonets only,” Napoleon calls out, “and
you, 32nd, maintain your glorious reputation.”
511
00:54:12,920 --> 00:54:16,320
The lead Austrian brigade is routed.
512
00:54:16,320 --> 00:54:22,720
Colonel Junot, though wounded six times,
accepts their commander’s surrender.
513
00:54:22,720 --> 00:54:25,760
Quosdanovich’s force has been mauled.
514
00:54:25,760 --> 00:54:30,400
Fearing for the rest of his command,
and with no word from Wurmser,
515
00:54:30,400 --> 00:54:37,840
he decides he must march back around
Lake Garda, to rejoin the army.
516
00:54:37,840 --> 00:54:44,640
The same day, 15 miles to the south, General
Augereau’s division fights an aggressive rearguard
517
00:54:44,640 --> 00:54:52,440
action near Castiglione - keeping Wurmser at
bay, while Napoleon deals with Quosdanovich.
518
00:54:52,440 --> 00:54:57,400
Augereau begins with a bold attack
on General Lipthay’s vanguard,
519
00:54:57,400 --> 00:55:03,480
driving it back to high ground near Solferino.
520
00:55:03,480 --> 00:55:11,360
But here, Lipthay receives steady reinforcements,
as the rest of the Austrian army begins to arrive.
521
00:55:11,360 --> 00:55:17,680
Augereau keeps up the pressure,
preventing an Austrian advance.
522
00:55:17,680 --> 00:55:22,680
And though there’s a late scare when
enemy cavalry sweep around his left flank,
523
00:55:22,680 --> 00:55:26,320
they are unsupported, and soon pull back.
524
00:55:30,200 --> 00:55:34,720
For Augereau and his men, it is a
long day of heroic action against
525
00:55:34,720 --> 00:55:40,760
a superior force - one which
Napoleon will never forget.
526
00:55:40,760 --> 00:55:46,720
12 years later, as Emperor, he will
make Augereau Duke of Castiglione,
527
00:55:46,720 --> 00:55:53,760
and always remind his critics,
‘he saved us that day’.
528
00:55:53,760 --> 00:56:00,120
Nevertheless, by nightfall, Augereau’s
division is at breaking point.
529
00:56:00,120 --> 00:56:04,360
“Our soldiers are exhausted from
fatigue and hunger. If you don’t
530
00:56:04,360 --> 00:56:10,440
send me reinforcements, I
won’t be able to hold out.”
531
00:56:10,440 --> 00:56:14,680
Next morning, French troops
renew the attack on Quosdanovich,
532
00:56:14,680 --> 00:56:19,000
and quickly discover he’s beating a hasty retreat.
533
00:56:19,000 --> 00:56:21,800
A major disaster is narrowly avoided,
534
00:56:21,800 --> 00:56:29,160
when three lost Austrian battalions stumble
into Napoleon’s headquarters at Lonato.
535
00:56:29,160 --> 00:56:32,200
They call on the general to surrender.
536
00:56:32,200 --> 00:56:37,640
Napoleon responds by loudly ordering his
grenadiers and artillery into position,
537
00:56:37,640 --> 00:56:43,720
then demands that the Austrians
surrender to him, or be put to the sword.
538
00:56:43,720 --> 00:56:48,800
It’s a bold bluff – few of his
troops are anywhere near – but
539
00:56:48,800 --> 00:56:53,560
the Austrians meekly lay down their arms.
540
00:56:53,560 --> 00:56:59,280
As Napoleon swings his army round to take
on Wurmser, the Austrian must decide whether
541
00:56:59,280 --> 00:57:05,560
to stand his ground, or fall back to a
stronger line behind the Mincio River.
542
00:57:05,560 --> 00:57:10,920
He chooses to stay put. By engaging
Napoleon, he hopes to buy time for
543
00:57:10,920 --> 00:57:18,040
Quosdanovich to regroup and resume his
advance, and for Mantua to be resupplied.
544
00:57:18,040 --> 00:57:23,320
His reasoning is sound, but his
intelligence is out of date...
545
00:57:23,320 --> 00:57:43,760
and he’s underestimated the speed at
which Napoleon’s forces will move.
546
00:57:43,760 --> 00:57:50,600
At dawn on 5th August, the Austrian
army is 4 miles east of Castiglione,
547
00:57:50,600 --> 00:57:56,120
formed up in two lines - its northern flank
anchored on the village of Solferino..
548
00:57:57,240 --> 00:58:04,160
its southern flank, on a well-fortified
redoubt at Monte Medolano.
549
00:58:04,160 --> 00:58:07,600
Napoleon faces him with
Massena’s division in the north,
550
00:58:07,600 --> 00:58:12,560
Augereau’s division in the centre,
and Kilmaine’s cavalry in the south.
551
00:58:12,560 --> 00:58:20,440
He’s also formed an elite unit of grenadiers and
cavalry, to be held back for the decisive moment.
552
00:58:20,440 --> 00:58:25,680
Napoleon doesn’t seem to
have much of an advantage.
553
00:58:25,680 --> 00:58:31,400
But he has 10,000 more troops
converging rapidly on the battlefield.
554
00:58:31,400 --> 00:58:36,360
5,000 under General Despinois,
marching from Brescia…
555
00:58:36,360 --> 00:58:43,240
5,000 more under General
Fiorella, coming from the south.
556
00:58:43,240 --> 00:58:49,760
To buy time for these reinforcements to
arrive, and to lure Wurmser out of position,
557
00:58:49,760 --> 00:58:55,640
Napoleon orders Masséna and Augereau to attack.
558
00:58:55,640 --> 00:58:59,880
There is a short exchange of fire.
559
00:58:59,880 --> 00:59:04,840
Then the French begin a feigned retreat.
560
00:59:04,840 --> 00:59:10,440
The Austrians take the bait - some
units advancing off the high ground...
561
00:59:10,440 --> 00:59:17,440
while Wurmser extends his right wing,
looking to outflank Masséna’s division.
562
00:59:17,440 --> 00:59:22,680
Around 9am, the sound of gunfire
from the south alerts both sides
563
00:59:22,680 --> 00:59:26,040
to Fiorella’s arrival, behind
the Austrian left flank.
564
00:59:28,640 --> 00:59:36,320
Napoleon immediately orders Augereau
and Masséna to attack again, in earnest.
565
00:59:36,320 --> 00:59:40,680
Despinois’ troops arrive to join the assault.
566
00:59:40,680 --> 00:59:44,800
But Napoleon has sprung his trap too early.
567
00:59:44,800 --> 00:59:50,600
Wurmser is not yet fully committed,
and reacts swiftly. He organises a
568
00:59:50,600 --> 00:59:56,040
new line to fend off Fiorella, and
hurriedly recalls his right wing.
569
00:59:57,640 --> 01:00:02,840
But he cannot save the redoubt at Monte Medolano.
570
01:00:02,840 --> 01:00:11,320
Napoleon’s aide-de-camp, Major Marmont, leads
forward a battery to blast the position.
571
01:00:11,320 --> 01:00:19,760
His guns open a devastating cannonade, clearing
the way for an attack. Around 10 am, the reserve
572
01:00:19,760 --> 01:00:25,960
grenadiers charge forward with bayonets
fixed, sweeping the Austrians off the hill.
573
01:00:27,960 --> 01:00:33,120
Meanwhile to the north, the 4th
and 5th Demi-Brigades surge onto
574
01:00:33,120 --> 01:00:39,840
the Solferino heights, and seize
the redoubt before Pozzo Catena.
575
01:00:39,840 --> 01:00:46,120
Carried forward by their momentum, they
storm the Solferino tower and village beyond,
576
01:00:46,120 --> 01:00:54,200
the shaken enemy falling back in disarray.
The Austrians are hard-pressed along the line,
577
01:00:54,200 --> 01:01:00,880
and now French cavalry and Fiorella’s
troops threaten to cut off their retreat.
578
01:01:00,880 --> 01:01:09,440
While Napoleon is active, energised, urging
troops forward - Wurmser seems to go into shock.
579
01:01:09,440 --> 01:01:16,280
A French émigré serving with him recalled, “He
watched without seeing anything, saying anything,
580
01:01:16,280 --> 01:01:25,920
hearing anything. This brave old man, his head
covered with white hair, did not think anymore.”
581
01:01:27,040 --> 01:01:33,000
Finally, Wurmser orders a general
retreat, back across the Mincio river,
582
01:01:33,000 --> 01:01:38,880
covered by their cavalry, and
some late Austrian reinforcements.
583
01:01:38,880 --> 01:01:43,520
The French pursuit quickly peters out.
584
01:01:43,520 --> 01:01:47,080
After a week of forced marches in stifling heat,
585
01:01:47,080 --> 01:01:52,920
with little to eat or drink,
Napoleon’s men are close to collapse.
586
01:01:52,920 --> 01:02:17,680
But their general is content
with what they have achieved.
587
01:02:17,680 --> 01:02:23,280
Wurmser’s army finds temporary
refuge behind the Mincio River.
588
01:02:23,280 --> 01:02:28,160
But Napoleon immediately resumes
the attack. Masséna is sent north,
589
01:02:28,160 --> 01:02:34,600
to relieve the French garrison at Peschiera,
and threaten Wurmser’s line of retreat.
590
01:02:34,600 --> 01:02:37,600
The Austrian general has had enough.
591
01:02:37,600 --> 01:02:42,960
After ensuring the garrison of Mantua
is fully resupplied and reinforced,
592
01:02:42,960 --> 01:02:48,240
he begins his withdrawal to the
Tyrol, to regroup, and rethink.
593
01:02:48,240 --> 01:02:54,480
The French nip at his heels all the way.
594
01:02:54,480 --> 01:03:00,680
Napoleon has just endured his toughest
challenge yet as an army commander.
595
01:03:00,680 --> 01:03:05,280
And though initially wrongfooted by
his adversary, he’s displayed brilliant
596
01:03:05,280 --> 01:03:13,880
flexibility, and his usual energy, to
weather the crisis, and then triumph.
597
01:03:13,880 --> 01:03:19,160
But Mantua remains the key to Italy.
And while it stands unconquered,
598
01:03:19,160 --> 01:03:25,040
the Austrians will do everything
in their power to save it.
599
01:03:25,040 --> 01:03:29,520
Wurmser will be back... and when
he returns, he’ll find himself
600
01:03:29,520 --> 01:03:43,800
on a collision course with Napoleon.. as he
launches his own attack... on Austria itself.
601
01:03:43,800 --> 01:03:47,360
August 1796.
602
01:03:47,360 --> 01:03:55,320
The war between France’s infant republic and the
coalition seems to be tipping in France’s favour.
603
01:03:55,320 --> 01:03:59,840
In the Vendée, General Hoche has
brought the three-year royalist
604
01:03:59,840 --> 01:04:08,760
revolt to an end. This appalling civil
war has cost an estimated 165,000 lives,
605
01:04:08,760 --> 01:04:15,000
and is the bloodiest chapter
of the French Revolution.
606
01:04:15,000 --> 01:04:18,600
Bourbon Spain allies with France – they will
607
01:04:18,600 --> 01:04:24,040
combine forces against their
common enemy, Great Britain.
608
01:04:24,040 --> 01:04:27,560
In Germany, the armies of General Jourdan.. and
609
01:04:27,560 --> 01:04:33,960
General Moreau.. have crossed the
Rhine, and are advancing on Vienna.
610
01:04:33,960 --> 01:04:39,120
While in Italy, Napoleon’s stunning
victory at Castiglione has sent the
611
01:04:39,120 --> 01:04:44,240
Austrians scurrying back to the Tyrol.
612
01:04:44,240 --> 01:04:52,360
Napoleon can now resume his siege
of Mantua, the ‘key to Italy’.
613
01:04:52,360 --> 01:04:56,840
But he’ll have to start over…. The
Austrians have used the interlude
614
01:04:56,840 --> 01:05:04,360
to drag away his heavy guns,
and demolish his siege works.
615
01:05:04,360 --> 01:05:10,720
In summer, the pestilential marshes
that surround the city are lethal.
616
01:05:10,720 --> 01:05:18,560
The Austrian garrison has been
decimated by disease - mostly malaria.
617
01:05:18,560 --> 01:05:25,960
General Sérurier, commanding the French
siege, also contracts the disease. He
618
01:05:25,960 --> 01:05:32,280
returns to France to recover, and
is replaced by General Sahuguet.
619
01:05:32,280 --> 01:05:39,120
Sickness and a shortage of equipment once
more plague the French army in Italy.
620
01:05:39,120 --> 01:05:46,120
Even the heroic General Masséna asks to be
replaced, citing ill health and exhaustion.
621
01:05:46,120 --> 01:05:51,120
Napoleon rejects his request.
622
01:05:51,120 --> 01:05:56,840
Despite these problems, the Directory
in Paris orders Napoleon to attack,
623
01:05:56,840 --> 01:06:01,400
as part of a grand strategic
offensive against Austria.
624
01:06:01,400 --> 01:06:06,480
He is to breakthrough to Innsbruck..
join forces with Moreau’s Army of the
625
01:06:06,480 --> 01:06:17,040
Rhine.. then together, invade Austria, and
force Emperor Francis to sue for peace.
626
01:06:17,040 --> 01:06:22,240
Napoleon faces an enemy of roughly equal size.
627
01:06:22,240 --> 01:06:26,720
So he plans to use speed,
and concentration of force,
628
01:06:26,720 --> 01:06:34,760
to fall upon Austrian troops in the Adige
Valley, and clear the path northwards.
629
01:06:34,760 --> 01:06:43,520
His opponent, Austrian Field Marshal von Wurmser,
is under immense pressure to relieve Mantua.
630
01:06:43,520 --> 01:06:48,720
His staff believe that recent fighting
has left the French army shattered,
631
01:06:48,720 --> 01:06:52,000
and incapable of offensive operations.
632
01:06:52,000 --> 01:06:55,520
So the Austrians plan to make their own advance.
633
01:06:57,280 --> 01:07:02,200
Rather than try to force his way past
French troops in the Adige valley,
634
01:07:02,200 --> 01:07:07,440
Wurmser will keep Davidovich in a
defensive role… while he leads a
635
01:07:07,440 --> 01:07:15,680
wide outflanking march.. via the Brenta valley
and Bassano.. to reach Mantua from the east.
636
01:07:15,680 --> 01:07:18,880
There, he will link up with its garrison.
637
01:07:18,880 --> 01:07:25,520
And when Napoleon comes south to face him, he
will be caught between two Austrian armies.
638
01:07:42,720 --> 01:07:47,400
The Austrians begin their
advance on 1st September.
639
01:07:47,400 --> 01:07:51,920
French forces begin their
advance the following day.
640
01:07:51,920 --> 01:07:59,360
Masséna pushes up the Adige valley, with Augereau
taking a tougher, mountainous route on his right.
641
01:07:59,360 --> 01:08:07,720
General Vaubois marches around Lake Garda to
join them, with one brigade crossing by boat.
642
01:08:07,720 --> 01:08:11,360
The forward Austrian outposts are driven in.
643
01:08:11,360 --> 01:08:14,120
And by the 4th, three French divisions are
644
01:08:14,120 --> 01:08:21,680
converging on Davidovich’s heavily
outnumbered force, near Rovereto.
645
01:08:21,680 --> 01:08:30,120
General Victor leads the main attack straight
up the road, driving back the enemy centre.
646
01:08:30,120 --> 01:08:36,880
Meanwhile French light infantry swarm up the
sides of the valley to outflank the enemy.
647
01:08:36,880 --> 01:08:40,359
It’s a tactic the French will use again and again,
648
01:08:40,359 --> 01:08:48,279
to force the Austrians out of strong
positions in the narrow passes.
649
01:08:48,279 --> 01:08:55,439
The Austrians are driven up the valley,
towards Davidovich’s main camp at Calliano.
650
01:08:57,120 --> 01:09:02,920
As Napoleon remarks, this position should
have been impregnable – sheer mountains,
651
01:09:02,920 --> 01:09:07,840
either side of a valley floor that’s
just a few hundred yards wide.
652
01:09:07,840 --> 01:09:14,240
A small castle and wall add to
the formidable natural defences.
653
01:09:14,240 --> 01:09:17,080
But its defence has been left to a single,
654
01:09:17,080 --> 01:09:22,240
shaken Austrian regiment, which
is given no time to prepare.
655
01:09:22,240 --> 01:09:27,800
When the French hit them with
speed and numbers, they give way.
656
01:09:27,800 --> 01:09:31,479
Masséna’s troops breakthrough
to the main Austrian camp,
657
01:09:31,479 --> 01:09:37,840
where soldiers – expecting a much
longer respite – are preparing dinner.
658
01:09:37,840 --> 01:09:42,560
The arrival of the French
sparks chaos and confusion.
659
01:09:42,560 --> 01:09:49,399
The Austrian escape route is immediately
jammed with fleeing troops, wagons and guns.
660
01:09:49,399 --> 01:10:00,400
The French round up around 3,000 prisoners,
alongside 25 guns and 7 standards.
661
01:10:00,400 --> 01:10:05,840
Napoleon had thought that he faced
the whole Austrian army around Trento.
662
01:10:05,840 --> 01:10:10,920
But now, speaking with prisoners and
locals, he learns that Wurmser and
663
01:10:10,920 --> 01:10:18,240
half his army have set off down the
Brenta valley – destination unknown.
664
01:10:18,240 --> 01:10:20,680
With typical speed and decisiveness,
665
01:10:20,680 --> 01:10:26,920
Napoleon tears up the plan to join Moreau
at Innsbruck.. and orders a pursuit.
666
01:10:26,920 --> 01:10:48,920
If he can catch and destroy Wurmser before he
reaches safety, the war in Italy will be won.
667
01:10:48,920 --> 01:10:55,360
When Wurmser receives news of the fiasco
at Calliano, his troops are already strung
668
01:10:55,360 --> 01:11:00,800
out along the Brenta valley, with
his vanguard approaching Vicenza.
669
01:11:00,800 --> 01:11:04,280
There is nothing to gain by turning back.
670
01:11:04,280 --> 01:11:08,480
He orders Davidovich to hold the
passes north – assuming they are
671
01:11:08,480 --> 01:11:13,120
Napoleon’s objective – and pushes on to Mantua.
672
01:11:13,120 --> 01:11:15,880
But Napoleon is not going north.
673
01:11:15,880 --> 01:11:22,120
He orders Vaubois to pursue Davidovich and keep
him blocked in.. while Augereau’s division leads
674
01:11:22,120 --> 01:11:30,480
the rest of the army down the narrow, funnel-like
Brenta valley, in pursuit of the Austrians.
675
01:11:30,480 --> 01:11:34,480
The Army of Italy is brimming
with confidence and momentum,
676
01:11:34,480 --> 01:11:39,200
and marches much faster than the Austrians.
677
01:11:39,200 --> 01:11:48,240
A small force at Levico offers token resistance,
before it’s bundled down the Brenta valley.
678
01:11:48,240 --> 01:11:55,320
The next day, French light infantry rout a
3,000 strong Austrian rearguard at Primolano,
679
01:11:55,320 --> 01:11:58,360
taking most of them prisoner.
680
01:11:58,360 --> 01:12:08,040
Wurmser decides to make another stand at
Bassano, where the valley opens into flat plains.
681
01:12:08,040 --> 01:12:10,600
With Colonel Lannes leading the charge,
682
01:12:10,600 --> 01:12:18,320
the Austrians are driven back, then
chased into town by Murat’s cavalry.
683
01:12:18,320 --> 01:12:25,160
Amid panic, chaos and blocked roads,
the French take another 2,000 prisoners,
684
01:12:25,160 --> 01:12:30,720
including an Austrian general, and 30 guns.
685
01:12:30,720 --> 01:12:37,320
Wurmser is in disarray - down to
12,000 men, outnumbered two-to-one,
686
01:12:37,320 --> 01:12:42,600
with part of his force retreating in
the wrong direction towards Trieste.
687
01:12:42,600 --> 01:12:47,280
His only hope is to reach Mantua.
688
01:12:47,280 --> 01:12:52,400
The two armies are in a footrace - but
for the first time in the campaign,
689
01:12:52,400 --> 01:13:02,200
Austrian soldiers outmarch their
exhausted French counterparts.
690
01:13:02,200 --> 01:13:09,840
Wurmser leaves a small garrison at the fortress
of Legnago, to slow Augereau’s pursuit.
691
01:13:09,840 --> 01:13:16,560
Forging ahead, Masséna manages to
block the Austrians’ path at Cerea.
692
01:13:16,560 --> 01:13:21,160
But General Ott makes a determined
attack and clears the road,
693
01:13:21,160 --> 01:13:30,440
taking 700 French prisoners and seven
guns. It is a rare defeat for Masséna.
694
01:13:30,440 --> 01:13:36,000
With the help of a local informant,
Wurmser then finds an intact, unguarded
695
01:13:36,000 --> 01:13:44,400
bridge across the Tione River, and reaches
the outskirts of Mantua on 13th September.
696
01:13:44,400 --> 01:13:55,040
His army has been saved from
destruction, by the skin of its teeth.
697
01:14:07,640 --> 01:14:12,800
Napoleon has failed to prevent
Wurmser reaching Mantua.
698
01:14:12,800 --> 01:14:16,440
But he knows that if he can
bottle him up inside the city,
699
01:14:16,440 --> 01:14:20,600
it will put intolerable strain on its supplies.
700
01:14:20,600 --> 01:14:25,040
For that reason, Wurmser wants to
keep his army outside the city walls,
701
01:14:25,680 --> 01:14:35,480
free to manoeuvre, and crucially, forage
for supplies in the surrounding country.
702
01:14:35,480 --> 01:14:41,720
The next morning, as Augereau accepts the
surrender of the Austrian garrison at Legnago,
703
01:14:41,720 --> 01:14:47,600
Masséna tries a surprise attack at Due Castelli.
704
01:14:47,600 --> 01:14:53,440
But it’s overambitious. His men have not
had time to recover from their long march,
705
01:14:53,440 --> 01:14:55,000
and the Austrians fight bravely.
706
01:14:58,000 --> 01:15:07,520
The following day, Napoleon launches
a much larger, co-ordinated attack.
707
01:15:07,520 --> 01:15:12,640
Sahuguet’s division advances on the
right. His troops are soon in heavy
708
01:15:12,640 --> 01:15:19,120
fighting with Ott’s brigade
around the Villa La Favorita.
709
01:15:19,120 --> 01:15:25,160
Augereau’s division, under temporary command
of General Bon, advances along the Mincio
710
01:15:25,160 --> 01:15:29,960
River, trying to turn the Austrian right flank.
711
01:15:29,960 --> 01:15:34,880
When Wurmser sends reserves from his
centre to strengthen both flanks…
712
01:15:34,880 --> 01:15:40,200
Masséna’s concealed division launches its attack.
713
01:15:40,200 --> 01:15:45,960
Victor and Rampon lead the way
with their veteran demi-brigades.
714
01:15:45,960 --> 01:15:51,640
Austrian cavalry hurl themselves
at the French but are beaten off.
715
01:15:51,640 --> 01:15:56,880
Heavy fighting rages on the outskirts
of Mantua for much of the afternoon.
716
01:15:56,880 --> 01:16:04,280
Finally, Wurmser’s centre begins to
crumble, and the French take San Giorgio.
717
01:16:04,280 --> 01:16:09,800
Much of the Austrian right wing is
cut off. Many are forced to surrender,
718
01:16:09,800 --> 01:16:15,120
while others flee into the lake.
719
01:16:15,120 --> 01:16:17,160
With the Austrian line shattered,
720
01:16:17,160 --> 01:16:24,920
Wurmser orders his men to fall back..
to the safety of Mantua’s citadel.
721
01:16:33,440 --> 01:16:41,960
The troops that were to have rescued Mantua..
are now trapped alongside its garrison.
722
01:16:41,960 --> 01:16:49,200
By early October, the French have cut
off the city, and resumed their siege.
723
01:16:49,200 --> 01:16:56,040
Conditions inside Mantua deteriorate
rapidly. Disease, wounds and malnutrition
724
01:16:56,040 --> 01:17:03,840
kill – on average - nearly 100 Austrian
soldiers every day... for six weeks.
725
01:17:03,840 --> 01:17:09,440
Civilians are reduced to eating rats and horses.
726
01:17:09,440 --> 01:17:16,280
Napoleon, meanwhile, returns to Milan, sending
his aide-de-camp Major Marmont to Paris,
727
01:17:16,280 --> 01:17:23,960
to present 22 captured Austrian
standards to the Directory.
728
01:17:23,960 --> 01:17:29,920
But elsewhere, the war has not
been going so well for France.
729
01:17:29,920 --> 01:17:34,080
Archduke Charles, younger
brother of the Emperor Francis,
730
01:17:34,080 --> 01:17:39,680
has defeated General Jourdan’s
army twice in two weeks.
731
01:17:39,680 --> 01:17:50,440
It, and General Moreau’s Army of the Rhine,
are forced to retreat back to the frontier.
732
01:17:50,440 --> 01:17:58,920
These setbacks mean Napoleon will get very few
of the reinforcements he’s so urgently requested.
733
01:17:58,920 --> 01:18:03,840
He and his men are exhausted.
Many of them are sick.
734
01:18:03,840 --> 01:18:09,600
They must contain an enormous and
increasingly desperate garrison in Mantua...
735
01:18:09,600 --> 01:18:17,440
With the certain knowledge that the Austrians
will try again soon to save the city.
736
01:18:17,440 --> 01:18:23,160
And there are diplomatic concerns
which also trouble Napoleon.
737
01:18:23,160 --> 01:18:27,200
In Rome, the Pope stirs
animosity against the French,
738
01:18:27,200 --> 01:18:34,160
citing their treatment of the Catholic
church in the territories they administer.
739
01:18:34,160 --> 01:18:38,000
These now include the Cispadane
Republic, formed in part from
740
01:18:38,000 --> 01:18:44,720
the Duchy of Modena – which Napoleon has
abolished for colluding with the enemy.
741
01:18:44,720 --> 01:18:47,560
There is also the lingering threat that Naples
742
01:18:47,560 --> 01:18:53,560
may re-join the war at a critical
moment, to stab him in the back.
743
01:18:53,560 --> 01:18:58,360
So to secure his southern flank,
Napoleon concludes a comprehensive
744
01:18:58,360 --> 01:19:05,640
peace treaty with Naples, without
bothering to consult the Directory.
745
01:19:05,640 --> 01:19:11,080
Its actions like this that feed the
whispers in Paris – this popular,
746
01:19:11,080 --> 01:19:20,920
young general’s ambition seems limitless… might
he not one day prove a dangerous political player?
747
01:19:20,920 --> 01:19:27,520
But such talk will be moot,
if Napoleon fails in Italy.
748
01:19:27,520 --> 01:19:33,560
That autumn, as Austrian troops march
once more to the relief of Mantua,
749
01:19:33,560 --> 01:19:38,200
he will face his most skilled
opponent yet – Feldzeugmeister
750
01:19:38,200 --> 01:19:54,800
József Alvinczi – the first man to
defeat Napoleon Bonaparte in battle.
751
01:19:54,800 --> 01:19:58,400
October 1796.
752
01:19:58,400 --> 01:20:01,120
Six months have passed since General Napoleon
753
01:20:01,120 --> 01:20:07,040
Bonaparte took command of
the French Army of Italy.
754
01:20:07,040 --> 01:20:11,200
In that time, he’s led a series
of brilliant operations against
755
01:20:11,200 --> 01:20:15,240
the Austrians, and won a string of battles.
756
01:20:15,240 --> 01:20:20,240
Now he appears close to final victory.
757
01:20:20,240 --> 01:20:27,720
He’s driven Austrian field forces off the
plains of Northern Italy, back towards the Alps…
758
01:20:27,720 --> 01:20:37,120
While his troops have the great fortress-city of
Mantua – the ‘key to Italy’ – under close siege.
759
01:20:37,120 --> 01:20:44,960
Mantua’s oversized Austrian garrison is
nearing starvation, and riddled with disease.
760
01:20:44,960 --> 01:20:49,320
Napoleon appeals to its commander,
Field Marshal von Wurmser,
761
01:20:49,320 --> 01:20:58,040
to surrender. “The brave should be facing
danger, not swamp plague!” he gibes.
762
01:20:58,040 --> 01:21:08,400
But Wurmser is a tough old veteran. He will
not yield while any glimmer of hope remains.
763
01:21:08,400 --> 01:21:18,600
And he knows that to the north.. Austria is
gathering fresh troops to march to his aid.
764
01:21:18,600 --> 01:21:24,680
True, many are Grenz battalions – a
type of Hapsburg frontier militia,
765
01:21:24,680 --> 01:21:27,960
poorly drilled and short of officers.
766
01:21:27,960 --> 01:21:34,840
But they help raise the strength of
the Austrian field army to 44,000.
767
01:21:34,840 --> 01:21:39,000
And they have a new general to
lead them – Feldzeugmeister,
768
01:21:39,000 --> 01:21:43,080
or Lieutenant-General, József Alvinczi.
769
01:21:43,080 --> 01:21:49,760
The 61-year-old Hungarian was once
military tutor to Emperor Francis himself,
770
01:21:49,760 --> 01:21:54,520
and is regarded as diligent, sharp, and brave.
771
01:21:57,080 --> 01:22:04,680
He and his staff draw up plans for a fresh
offensive to rescue Wurmser and Mantua.
772
01:22:04,680 --> 01:22:10,760
Alvinczi and Quosdanovich will lead
the main column, 26,000 strong,
773
01:22:10,760 --> 01:22:17,080
from Friuli to Bassano, then onwards to Mantua.
774
01:22:17,080 --> 01:22:23,280
Davidovich’s corps, reinforced
to 18,000, will retake Trento,
775
01:22:23,280 --> 01:22:26,720
and push south through the Adige valley.
776
01:22:26,720 --> 01:22:31,400
The two forces will link up
at the earliest opportunity.
777
01:22:31,400 --> 01:22:36,800
Meanwhile Wurmser, who can muster
just 12,000 fit men from the Mantua
778
01:22:36,800 --> 01:22:44,440
garrison - will launch powerful sorties to
pin down as many French units as possible.
779
01:22:44,440 --> 01:22:52,160
Napoleon, by contrast, has received very few
reinforcements from France. His weary divisions
780
01:22:52,160 --> 01:23:00,320
are suffering from shortages and sickness
– and will be outnumbered on every front.
781
01:23:00,320 --> 01:23:05,760
Alvinczi begins his advance on 22nd October.
782
01:23:05,760 --> 01:23:14,840
The following day, the heavens open – drenching
troops, swelling rivers and reducing roads to mud.
783
01:23:14,840 --> 01:23:20,120
For the time being, Napoleon is content
to observe the enemy struggle forward in
784
01:23:20,120 --> 01:23:27,240
such conditions, knowing the effort will
exhaust his infantry and disrupt supplies.
785
01:23:27,240 --> 01:23:31,560
On 2nd November, fighting
breaks out north of Trento,
786
01:23:31,560 --> 01:23:36,920
where Napoleon has ordered Vaubois to attack.
787
01:23:36,920 --> 01:23:40,840
He wants to keep Davidovich
bottled up, but Vaubois is
788
01:23:40,840 --> 01:23:46,640
heavily outnumbered, and his attack fails.
789
01:23:46,640 --> 01:23:51,520
Vaubois begins pulling back
to Calliano… while Masséna
790
01:23:51,520 --> 01:23:56,240
gives up Bassano, and withdraws towards Vicenza.
791
01:23:56,240 --> 01:24:00,200
But now Alvinczi’s advance becomes strung out,
792
01:24:00,200 --> 01:24:05,360
slowed by the heavy rain, and
poor fitness of his recruits.
793
01:24:05,360 --> 01:24:11,440
And it is against Napoleon’s nature
to remain passive for so long.
794
01:24:11,440 --> 01:24:16,000
As the Austrians cross the Brenta,
he orders Masséna to attack General
795
01:24:16,000 --> 01:24:24,440
Lipthay’s division at Fontaniva.. while
Augereau attacks Hohenzollern at Bassano.
796
01:24:24,440 --> 01:24:31,000
The French launch dozens of separate assaults.
But for all their poor march discipline,
797
01:24:31,000 --> 01:24:36,120
the Austrian recruits stand
their ground, and fight hard.
798
01:24:36,120 --> 01:24:41,600
With around 3,000 casualties on each
side, the Second Battle of Bassano
799
01:24:41,600 --> 01:24:51,520
is the bloodiest day’s fighting so far in the
Italian campaign – and a failure for Napoleon.
800
01:24:51,520 --> 01:24:56,880
Hours later, he receives dire news from Vaubois.
801
01:24:56,880 --> 01:24:59,520
During heavy fighting at Calliano,
802
01:24:59,520 --> 01:25:08,120
some Croatian troops get behind the
French line, triggering panic, and a rout.
803
01:25:08,120 --> 01:25:12,120
Vaubois loses nearly half his division killed,
804
01:25:12,120 --> 01:25:18,680
wounded or missing, before
he can regroup at Rivoli.
805
01:25:18,680 --> 01:25:22,520
The French are falling back on all fronts.
806
01:25:22,520 --> 01:25:26,560
And unless Napoleon can
conjure something remarkable,
807
01:25:26,560 --> 01:25:54,320
he seems destined to suffer
a major strategic defeat.
808
01:25:54,320 --> 01:26:01,160
Napoleon’s position is perilous. But his enemies’
cautious pursuit affords him some respite.
809
01:26:02,600 --> 01:26:09,760
Four whole days pass while Alvinczi and
Davidovich co-ordinate their next moves. It’s
810
01:26:09,760 --> 01:26:15,400
not a delay Napoleon would have tolerated,
if the shoe had been on the other foot.
811
01:26:15,400 --> 01:26:19,600
When the Austrians finally advance, it’s bungled:
812
01:26:19,600 --> 01:26:26,240
Hohenzollern’s vanguard approaches Verona
to investigate reports of a French retreat.
813
01:26:26,240 --> 01:26:31,720
This isolated division is too
tempting for Napoleon to ignore.
814
01:26:31,720 --> 01:26:35,360
He orders Augereau and Masséna to attack.
815
01:26:35,360 --> 01:26:42,280
They inflict 400 casualties. But Hohenzollern
escapes to a ridge near Caldiero.
816
01:26:42,280 --> 01:26:48,040
The next day, Napoleon orders renewed attacks.
817
01:26:48,040 --> 01:26:50,800
But conditions are atrocious.
818
01:26:50,800 --> 01:26:57,480
The French struggle uphill into driving rain
and hail, their boots slipping in the mud,
819
01:26:57,480 --> 01:27:04,400
under fire from Austrians dug-in on the ridgetop.
820
01:27:04,400 --> 01:27:12,680
Around noon, Colonel Dupuy’s 32nd
Demi-Brigade finally gets onto the ridge.
821
01:27:12,680 --> 01:27:19,480
It looks like the French may be able to
lever the Austrians out of their position.
822
01:27:19,480 --> 01:27:23,680
But then, the Austrian army
begins to arrive in force,
823
01:27:23,680 --> 01:27:28,880
to support Hohenzollern’s hard-pressed division.
824
01:27:28,880 --> 01:27:34,720
The French are in danger of
being outflanked on both wings.
825
01:27:34,720 --> 01:27:41,080
They take up new defensive positions,
and hold the line until darkness...
826
01:27:41,080 --> 01:27:50,400
when Napoleon cuts his losses,
and orders a retreat to Verona.
827
01:27:50,400 --> 01:28:00,760
It has been an unequivocal French
defeat – Napoleon’s first in battle.
828
01:28:00,760 --> 01:28:06,400
The following day, he writes
furiously to the Directory in Paris.
829
01:28:06,400 --> 01:28:10,000
He has no doubt that they
are to blame for his defeat,
830
01:28:10,000 --> 01:28:14,600
for repeatedly failing to send reinforcements:
831
01:28:14,600 --> 01:28:20,640
“We may be on the verge of losing Italy.
None of the expected help has arrived…
832
01:28:20,640 --> 01:28:24,120
The Army of Italy, reduced to
a handful of men, is worn out…
833
01:28:25,320 --> 01:28:30,000
The heroes of Lodi, Millesimo,
Castiglione and Bassano have
834
01:28:30,000 --> 01:28:35,880
died for their country or are in the
hospitals. The men have nothing left
835
01:28:35,880 --> 01:28:45,920
but their reputation and their pride…We
are abandoned in the depths of Italy.”
836
01:28:45,920 --> 01:28:54,440
But despite his apparent despair, Napoleon
has already devised a plan to strike back – a
837
01:28:54,440 --> 01:29:15,720
breathtakingly bold move, that will spawn
one of the greatest of Napoleonic legends.
838
01:29:15,720 --> 01:29:19,920
With the Austrians converging
on Verona … Napoleon decides
839
01:29:19,920 --> 01:29:24,040
to risk everything on a daring, surprise attack.
840
01:29:25,360 --> 01:29:32,360
Leaving Macquard to cover Verona, he will circle
south with the rest of the army.. cross the Adige
841
01:29:32,360 --> 01:29:38,320
River.. and swing north, threatening to
cut Alvinczi’s lines of communication,
842
01:29:38,320 --> 01:29:43,040
and capture his artillery, baggage and supplies.
843
01:29:43,040 --> 01:29:49,520
Such losses will force Alvinczi
to abandon his advance.
844
01:29:49,520 --> 01:29:58,240
Marching overnight, Augereau and
Masséna arrive undetected at Ronco.
845
01:29:58,240 --> 01:30:05,320
Augereau’s men cross the Adige on a
pontoon bridge, and begin moving north.
846
01:30:05,320 --> 01:30:09,600
But with marshland on all sides,
they have to stick to the narrow,
847
01:30:09,600 --> 01:30:13,880
raised causeway, just 20 yards wide...
848
01:30:13,880 --> 01:30:18,800
And when they reach Arcole, where they
must cross the bridge to continue north,
849
01:30:18,800 --> 01:30:23,440
they find it held by two Croatian battalions.
850
01:30:23,440 --> 01:30:25,960
Horribly exposed on the causeway,
851
01:30:25,960 --> 01:30:34,280
and under heavy fire, the French troops
take cover behind its reverse slope.
852
01:30:34,280 --> 01:30:36,560
Reinforcements are sent up,
853
01:30:36,560 --> 01:30:44,080
but they too are pinned down by the
weight of fire from the far bank.
854
01:30:44,080 --> 01:30:48,560
Colonel Lannes had discharged himself
from hospital that morning in order
855
01:30:48,560 --> 01:30:53,920
not to miss the battle. He now attempts
to lead a charge, but is hit in the leg.
856
01:30:55,680 --> 01:31:02,360
The fiery Augereau refuses to accept defeat,
and orders another attack. But his men are
857
01:31:02,360 --> 01:31:06,800
exhausted and demoralised,
with three generals wounded.
858
01:31:06,800 --> 01:31:11,920
The attack at Arcole has stalled.
859
01:31:11,920 --> 01:31:18,080
When Alvinczi hears gunfire from the south,
he assumes the French are making a feint,
860
01:31:18,080 --> 01:31:22,680
to divert him from his own
planned attack on Verona.
861
01:31:22,680 --> 01:31:27,720
But then comes alarming news that the
French have crossed the Adige in force,
862
01:31:27,720 --> 01:31:30,560
and are behind his left flank.
863
01:31:30,560 --> 01:31:32,800
He sends two brigades to attack the
864
01:31:32,800 --> 01:31:41,960
French bridgehead.. and diverts
Mittrovsky to reinforce Arcole.
865
01:31:41,960 --> 01:31:46,840
Masséna’s division, moving northwest
to protect the flank of the advance,
866
01:31:46,840 --> 01:31:51,760
runs straight into the Austrians at Bionde.
867
01:31:51,760 --> 01:31:59,840
At first the Austrians have the better of
it, but a disastrous friendly fire incident
868
01:31:59,840 --> 01:32:08,760
triggers panic… and Masséna drives
the Austrians back up the causeway.
869
01:32:08,760 --> 01:32:14,360
Napoleon is increasingly concerned
by the holdup at Arcole.
870
01:32:14,360 --> 01:32:23,000
If they cannot break through, Alvinczi will have
ample time to redeploy, and prevent any advance.
871
01:32:23,000 --> 01:32:29,240
He now orders General Guieu to take two
regiments, cross the Adige at Albaredo,
872
01:32:29,240 --> 01:32:35,440
and lead them up the eastern bank of the
Alpone river, to hit Arcole from the south.
873
01:32:35,440 --> 01:32:41,800
He himself rides to the bridge,
to try to get the attack moving.
874
01:32:41,800 --> 01:32:46,200
He finds hundreds of French troops
sheltering behind the causeway,
875
01:32:46,200 --> 01:32:51,240
unwilling to face the Austrian fire.
876
01:32:51,240 --> 01:32:54,200
General Augereau grabs a standard and begins
877
01:32:54,200 --> 01:33:02,200
to advance. This highly romanticised
depiction was painted two years later.
878
01:33:02,200 --> 01:33:06,960
“Grenadiers!” he cries,
“Come and seek your colour!”
879
01:33:06,960 --> 01:33:12,920
In reality, none had the courage to follow him.
880
01:33:12,920 --> 01:33:18,280
Then the commander of the Army
of Italy himself draws his sabre,
881
01:33:18,280 --> 01:33:21,960
picks up a standard, and runs forward.
882
01:33:21,960 --> 01:33:26,120
There is withering fire all around. Several men
883
01:33:26,120 --> 01:33:32,200
fall wounded. His aide-de-camp
Colonel Muiron is killed.
884
01:33:32,200 --> 01:33:37,800
Another aide-de-camp, a Polish
officer named Sulkowski, recalls:
885
01:33:37,800 --> 01:33:41,560
“The soldiers saw him... and none of them imitated
886
01:33:41,560 --> 01:33:50,440
him. I was witness to this extraordinary
cowardice, and I cannot conceive it.”
887
01:33:50,440 --> 01:33:54,000
With the French infantry refusing
to follow their officers,
888
01:33:54,000 --> 01:33:59,240
the assault on the bridge ends in abject failure.
889
01:33:59,240 --> 01:34:06,720
A well-timed Austrian counter-attack
drives them back down the causeway.
890
01:34:06,720 --> 01:34:13,760
In the rout, Napoleon’s horse loses
its footing. He tumbles into the swamp,
891
01:34:13,760 --> 01:34:19,960
and has to be hauled out by his aides.
892
01:34:19,960 --> 01:34:26,120
That evening, General Guieu launches
his attack on Arcole from the south.
893
01:34:26,120 --> 01:34:32,880
The defences are less formidable on this side,
and his men fight their way into the village.
894
01:34:32,880 --> 01:34:37,280
Arcole, at last, has fallen.
895
01:34:37,280 --> 01:34:42,280
But that night, Guieu’s men
are ordered to pull back…
896
01:34:42,280 --> 01:34:48,000
Napoleon.. is preparing to retreat.
897
01:34:48,000 --> 01:34:54,080
If, as he expects, Davidovich has continued
his advance down the Adige Valley,
898
01:34:54,080 --> 01:34:58,680
Napoleon must withdraw now, or face encirclement.
899
01:34:58,680 --> 01:35:03,800
His bold manoeuvre appears to have failed.
900
01:35:03,800 --> 01:35:11,320
Then at 4am, Napoleon receives a report
from Rivoli that changes everything.
901
01:35:11,320 --> 01:35:18,560
Not only does Vaubois still hold the
town – he hasn’t even been attacked yet.
902
01:35:18,560 --> 01:35:23,640
Napoleon’s line of retreat remains
secure - for at least a few days more.
903
01:35:25,400 --> 01:35:44,440
It’s all the reassurance he needs. He immediately
cancels his retreat, and issues orders to attack.
904
01:35:44,440 --> 01:35:48,360
Napoleon has lost the element of surprise.
905
01:35:48,360 --> 01:35:52,400
And Alvinczi is now planning
his own counter-attack.
906
01:35:52,400 --> 01:35:57,600
Overnight, his troops edge
forward - Provera to Belfiore
907
01:35:57,600 --> 01:36:02,040
di Porcile.. Mittrovsky back into Arcole..
908
01:36:02,040 --> 01:36:06,680
Both armies are on the move before dawn.
909
01:36:06,680 --> 01:36:12,040
Masséna sends skirmishers into the
marshland. When the Austrians arrive,
910
01:36:12,040 --> 01:36:17,160
bunched up on the causeway,
they make easy targets.
911
01:36:17,160 --> 01:36:21,320
After a sharp fight, in which
an Austrian general is killed,
912
01:36:21,320 --> 01:36:27,440
Masséna’s men are driving the enemy before them.
913
01:36:27,440 --> 01:36:35,040
Augereau, however, cannot get
close to Arcole. The causeway
914
01:36:35,040 --> 01:36:41,880
is still swept by Austrian musket-fire
and canister from across the Alpone.
915
01:36:41,880 --> 01:36:45,200
Napoleon orders troops to cross downstream at
916
01:36:45,200 --> 01:36:52,920
Albaredo – but the Austrians now have two
battalions guarding the crossing point.
917
01:36:52,920 --> 01:36:59,400
French attempts to float or swim
across the river come to naught.
918
01:36:59,400 --> 01:37:04,160
Day two of the battle ends in stalemate.
919
01:37:04,160 --> 01:37:11,080
Many soldiers have to camp amid the marshes,
and get what food and rest they can.
920
01:37:11,080 --> 01:37:23,520
Napoleon will try once more to break
through.. but he is running out of time.
921
01:37:26,120 --> 01:37:32,600
Davidovich, who by now has received several
urgent requests from Alvinczi to advance,
922
01:37:32,600 --> 01:37:36,960
finally attacks on 17th November.
923
01:37:36,960 --> 01:37:45,240
Vaubois’ outgunned division breaks. The
Austrians take Rivoli and 1,000 prisoners,
924
01:37:45,240 --> 01:37:48,960
and nearly capture Vaubois himself.
925
01:37:48,960 --> 01:37:58,560
With Davidovich on the move at last, Napoleon
must force a decision at Arcole, or retreat.
926
01:37:58,560 --> 01:38:02,960
The bridge at Arcole has
proved too tough to crack.
927
01:38:02,960 --> 01:38:06,160
So Napoleon switches tactics.
928
01:38:06,160 --> 01:38:13,360
Augereau’s division will cross the Alpone,
and attack Arcole from the south in force…
929
01:38:13,360 --> 01:38:17,920
A column is sent 10 miles
south to cross at Legnago,
930
01:38:17,920 --> 01:38:22,600
then race back up the eastern bank to support him.
931
01:38:22,600 --> 01:38:30,160
Masséna will advance up the causeway in
support.. while also protecting the left flank.
932
01:38:30,160 --> 01:38:34,280
That night, the French assemble
a pontoon bridge over the Alpone.
933
01:38:34,280 --> 01:38:40,080
Augereau’s division begins crossing before dawn.
934
01:38:40,080 --> 01:38:45,560
But at sunrise, Austrian gunners
in Albaredo spot the bridge,
935
01:38:45,560 --> 01:38:49,120
and score a hit, knocking it out of action.
936
01:38:49,120 --> 01:38:58,880
Only the 51st demi-brigade is across –
though it gamely begins to advance on Arcole.
937
01:38:58,880 --> 01:39:04,720
Masséna’s advance is also hamstrung
by a broken pontoon bridge.
938
01:39:04,720 --> 01:39:12,240
To add to the crisis, the Austrians launch
an attack on the fragile French bridgehead.
939
01:39:12,240 --> 01:39:17,640
Napoleon gathers every available
gun to blast the Austrians,
940
01:39:17,640 --> 01:39:23,360
who fall back under a withering barrage.
941
01:39:24,520 --> 01:39:29,320
The bridges are quickly repaired.
942
01:39:29,320 --> 01:39:39,960
But as the French advance, they encounter
stubborn opposition on both sides of the Alpone.
943
01:39:39,960 --> 01:39:46,200
A bloody see-saw battle surges back
and forth along the causeways. Neither
944
01:39:46,200 --> 01:39:53,440
side can deploy its troops, nor gain an advantage.
945
01:39:53,440 --> 01:40:03,160
Around 3pm, the French column from Legnago
arrives, threatening to turn the Austrian flank.
946
01:40:03,160 --> 01:40:05,920
Just as Arcole seems about to fall,
947
01:40:05,920 --> 01:40:11,040
the Austrians launch a ferocious
counterattack across the bridge.
948
01:40:11,040 --> 01:40:18,160
Brigadier General Robert is killed
- his troops fall back in disarray.
949
01:40:18,160 --> 01:40:26,040
The panic is contagious. Augereau’s men lose
their nerve, and fall back to the bridge.
950
01:40:26,040 --> 01:40:29,400
The moment of crisis has arrived.
951
01:40:29,400 --> 01:40:34,360
But while the enemy has just used
his last reserves, Napoleon can
952
01:40:34,360 --> 01:40:43,760
call on Masséna’s unengaged troops,
including the elite 32nd Demi-Brigade.
953
01:40:43,760 --> 01:40:47,680
Their sudden counter-attack turns the tide.
954
01:40:47,680 --> 01:40:52,960
Masséna’s men sweep up the causeway,
taking scores of prisoners,
955
01:40:52,960 --> 01:41:00,200
as Augereau’s division resumes its advance.
956
01:41:00,200 --> 01:41:07,960
As they approach Arcole, Napoleon arranges
a small ‘ruse de guerre’: 25 of his elite
957
01:41:07,960 --> 01:41:16,200
escort sweep in from the east, blowing
bugles to feign a mass cavalry charge.
958
01:41:16,200 --> 01:41:23,240
In the evening light, it’s enough to scare the
remaining garrison into abandoning the village.
959
01:41:24,960 --> 01:41:30,920
As the French continue their advance,
Alvinczi orders his exhausted, demoralised
960
01:41:30,920 --> 01:41:40,120
army to retreat east, to Montebello,
to protect its lines of communication.
961
01:41:40,120 --> 01:41:48,280
The three-day battle of Arcole has been a messy,
bloody affair, with no great tactical flourishes.
962
01:41:48,280 --> 01:41:53,360
Napoleon’s margin of victory is
narrow, and a third of his army are
963
01:41:53,360 --> 01:42:11,440
casualties. But he has done enough, for now.
964
01:42:11,440 --> 01:42:17,600
Alvinczi may be withdrawing –
but Davidovich remains a threat.
965
01:42:17,600 --> 01:42:21,680
The next day, Napoleon sets
off at his customary pace,
966
01:42:21,680 --> 01:42:26,160
with Masséna’s division, to reinforce Vaubois.
967
01:42:26,160 --> 01:42:33,000
Augereau takes a different route, to
threaten the Austrians’ line of retreat.
968
01:42:33,000 --> 01:42:39,640
The confusion that follows between
Alvinczi and Davidovich verges on farce.
969
01:42:39,640 --> 01:42:43,440
Alvinczi writes to his corps
commander, informing him that he
970
01:42:43,440 --> 01:42:49,680
will support him by resuming his advance.
But Davidovich, having heard of the defeat
971
01:42:49,680 --> 01:42:55,480
at Arcole, and now directly menaced
by Napoleon, is already retreating.
972
01:42:55,480 --> 01:43:00,280
On receiving Alvinczi’s letter, however,
he tries to turn his army around,
973
01:43:00,280 --> 01:43:07,640
leading to such chaos that he has to immediately
countermand that order, and resume his retreat.
974
01:43:07,640 --> 01:43:13,080
The end result is that both Austrian
armies are soon withdrawing.
975
01:43:13,080 --> 01:43:15,560
And with exquisitely poor timing,
976
01:43:15,560 --> 01:43:22,240
gallant old Wurmser choses this moment to
launch his supporting attack from Mantua.
977
01:43:22,240 --> 01:43:33,280
He does at least secure some much-needed
supplies.. at a cost of 800 casualties.
978
01:43:33,280 --> 01:43:37,640
It has been a bruising campaign for Napoleon.
979
01:43:37,640 --> 01:43:41,680
By some estimates he has lost
more men than the Austrians.
980
01:43:41,680 --> 01:43:48,920
He has suffered his first defeat in battle,
and won a costly, messy victory at Arcole.
981
01:43:48,920 --> 01:43:53,040
But.. he has beaten the odds,
and thrown back the enemy.
982
01:43:54,680 --> 01:44:02,080
What’s more, his heroic conduct at the bridge
at Arcole will soon take on a life of its own.
983
01:44:02,080 --> 01:44:06,400
Artists and pamphleteers turn a
slightly embellished version of
984
01:44:06,400 --> 01:44:15,040
events… into a sensational piece of
personal PR, that captivates France.
985
01:44:15,040 --> 01:44:23,040
With Napoleon’s active encouragement, the world is
witnessing the birth of ‘the Napoleonic legend’…
986
01:44:24,400 --> 01:44:37,080
a powerful force, that will inspire loyalty
and devotion for many years to come.
987
01:44:37,080 --> 01:44:41,400
For now, both armies settle into winter quarters,
988
01:44:41,400 --> 01:44:47,680
as December brings bitter cold
and heavy snow to northern Italy.
989
01:44:47,680 --> 01:44:53,200
In Mantua, the Austrian garrison
is near its limit. Starvation
990
01:44:53,200 --> 01:45:00,120
beckons… though Wurmser is
determined to hold out to the last.
991
01:45:00,120 --> 01:45:06,560
The Austrians will have one last chance
to save the city – a final offensive,
992
01:45:06,560 --> 01:45:18,320
to decide the outcome of the war in Italy.
993
01:45:18,320 --> 01:45:21,600
January, 1797.
994
01:45:21,600 --> 01:45:28,040
A new year… but familiar problems
for 27-year-old General Bonaparte,
995
01:45:28,040 --> 01:45:34,800
waging war against the
Austrians in Northern Italy.
996
01:45:34,800 --> 01:45:43,160
He has the great fortress-city of Mantua under
siege, and after a narrow victory at Arcole,
997
01:45:43,160 --> 01:45:51,480
he’s once again driven back the Austrian
armies trying to march to its aid.
998
01:45:51,480 --> 01:45:58,760
But the French Army of Italy is in a ragged
state. Troops have not been paid for weeks;
999
01:45:58,760 --> 01:46:09,440
their uniforms are disintegrating, their shoes
are broken, and above all, they are hungry.
1000
01:46:09,440 --> 01:46:17,040
One of Napoleon’s major concerns is the
wretched state of medical care for his men.
1001
01:46:17,040 --> 01:46:22,560
“...the hospitals lack everything,
our wounded are lying on the floors,
1002
01:46:22,560 --> 01:46:27,880
and in the most horrible state of destitution.”
1003
01:46:27,880 --> 01:46:35,040
It’s not just a question of saving lives, and
getting wounded men back to their units.
1004
01:46:35,040 --> 01:46:41,320
Medical care affects morale, as troops
going into combat want to know that if
1005
01:46:41,320 --> 01:46:49,520
the worst happens, they’ll be looked after.
1006
01:46:49,520 --> 01:46:52,840
Conditions are much worse for
the Austrian garrison of Mantua,
1007
01:46:53,600 --> 01:46:59,800
commanded by Field Marshal Wurmser.
1008
01:46:59,800 --> 01:47:05,760
In four months of siege, 9,000
soldiers have died from disease,
1009
01:47:05,760 --> 01:47:19,000
wounds or the effects of malnutrition. Survivors
live off horsemeat; civilians off rats and dogs.
1010
01:47:19,000 --> 01:47:26,840
Even these miserable rations will run out
by 27th January – just a few weeks away.
1011
01:47:26,840 --> 01:47:34,160
The clock is ticking. The Austrians
must relieve Mantua by that date,
1012
01:47:34,160 --> 01:47:52,840
or lose the city... and with it, the war in Italy.
1013
01:47:55,200 --> 01:47:59,720
Napoleon, having received
just 7,000 reinforcements,
1014
01:47:59,720 --> 01:48:05,280
prepares to meet Alvinczi’s advance.
1015
01:48:05,280 --> 01:48:13,480
He will not only be outnumbered - he
doesn’t know where his enemy will strike.
1016
01:48:13,480 --> 01:48:19,800
And Napoleon must hold one division back
to cover Wurmer’s garrison. It’s commanded
1017
01:48:19,800 --> 01:48:25,600
once more by General Sérurier,
recovered from his long illness.
1018
01:48:25,600 --> 01:48:34,080
Augereau’s division watches the
Adige.. while Masséna guards Verona.
1019
01:48:34,080 --> 01:48:38,560
The northern division has a new
commander - Napoleon has sacked
1020
01:48:38,560 --> 01:48:45,840
Vaubois for his poor performance, and put
in his place, General Barthélemy Joubert.
1021
01:48:45,840 --> 01:48:50,600
He is a hard-working, brave, and
exceptionally modest commander,
1022
01:48:50,600 --> 01:48:55,840
and like Napoleon, just 27 years old.
1023
01:48:55,840 --> 01:49:02,880
General Rey is in reserve, south of Lake Garda.
1024
01:49:02,880 --> 01:49:07,760
General Alvinczi has received
14,000 reinforcements,
1025
01:49:07,760 --> 01:49:12,040
and orders to relieve Mantua as soon as possible.
1026
01:49:12,040 --> 01:49:18,440
He is eager to march. But heavy snow, and
the late arrival of equipment and supplies,
1027
01:49:18,440 --> 01:49:22,720
delays his advance until 7th January.
1028
01:49:24,760 --> 01:49:31,520
The first columns on the move are Provera
and Bajalich. But their offensive is merely
1029
01:49:31,520 --> 01:49:37,480
a diversion, intended to draw Napoleon’s
attention away from the main threat,
1030
01:49:37,480 --> 01:49:40,840
which will be coming down the Adige Valley.
1031
01:49:40,840 --> 01:49:46,160
Alvinczi has divided this force
into six columns. Their mission is
1032
01:49:46,160 --> 01:49:52,640
to envelop and destroy Joubert’s division
at Rivoli, and clear the path to Mantua.
1033
01:49:55,440 --> 01:50:00,560
But Rivoli is a strong defensive
position - they must hit it hard
1034
01:50:00,560 --> 01:50:07,760
and fast, before the French can respond.
1035
01:50:07,760 --> 01:50:14,600
Napoleon, assuming any Austrian advance is still
weeks away, has travelled to the Papal States,
1036
01:50:14,600 --> 01:50:19,240
with a column of troops commanded
by Colonel Lannes. They intend to
1037
01:50:19,240 --> 01:50:26,480
put a little pressure on the Pope, who
continues to stir opposition to France.
1038
01:50:26,480 --> 01:50:30,200
However, as soon as he receives
reports of enemy movement,
1039
01:50:30,200 --> 01:50:36,120
Napoleon races back to his
headquarters at Roverbella.
1040
01:50:36,120 --> 01:50:40,400
By now, Alvinczi’s forces
have also begun to advance…
1041
01:50:40,400 --> 01:50:45,080
but serious planning failures quickly emerge.
1042
01:50:45,080 --> 01:50:49,520
Lusignan’s First Column, on
the right flank of the advance,
1043
01:50:49,520 --> 01:50:59,120
has orders to cross the slopes of Monte
Baldo, and attack Joubert from the rear.
1044
01:50:59,120 --> 01:51:04,400
It’s soon clear that these orders
are wildly optimistic – dreamed
1045
01:51:04,400 --> 01:51:09,040
up by staff officers who’d not seen the terrain.
1046
01:51:09,040 --> 01:51:16,120
The peak of Monte Baldo is more than 7,000 feet
high. Its slopes are covered in deep snow and
1047
01:51:16,120 --> 01:51:25,280
ice. The paths are treacherous, even more so after
dark, and there is no firewood for making camp.
1048
01:51:25,280 --> 01:51:30,680
Only by taking a wide detour can
Lusignan make any progress at all,
1049
01:51:30,680 --> 01:51:38,200
whilst losing 200 men to exhaustion and exposure.
1050
01:51:38,200 --> 01:51:44,840
Meanwhile, the Second and Third Austrian
columns reach the French outpost at Ferrara.
1051
01:51:44,840 --> 01:51:49,640
An initial attack is repulsed,
and following their orders,
1052
01:51:49,640 --> 01:51:55,280
they wait for Lusignan’s column to
appear before launching a second attack.
1053
01:51:55,280 --> 01:52:01,320
However Lusignan’s column is not yet in sight.
1054
01:52:01,320 --> 01:52:22,520
Alvinczi’s plan relies on swift, bold action..
but just 48 hours in, it’s falling apart.
1055
01:52:24,800 --> 01:52:30,040
At Roverbella, Napoleon
ponders the incoming reports.
1056
01:52:30,040 --> 01:52:34,800
He knows that Joubert’s forward
outpost is under attack at Ferrara...
1057
01:52:34,800 --> 01:52:39,360
That Masséna has repulsed an
Austrian attack on Verona...
1058
01:52:39,360 --> 01:52:47,360
And Augereau faces a sizeable Austrian force
near Legnago, poised to cross the Adige.
1059
01:52:47,360 --> 01:52:52,440
Is Alvinczi using the same tactics as
before – making his attack from the east?
1060
01:52:54,720 --> 01:52:59,080
Then a second report arrives from Joubert.
1061
01:52:59,080 --> 01:53:04,320
His scouts have detected an enemy
column marching around his flank.
1062
01:53:04,320 --> 01:53:08,160
He has no doubt that he faces
a major Austrian attack,
1063
01:53:08,160 --> 01:53:11,680
and has begun withdrawing his forces to Rivoli.
1064
01:53:11,680 --> 01:53:15,960
“The report I have given you
is exact,” he tells his chief,
1065
01:53:15,960 --> 01:53:22,440
“Be assured, the enemy will make every effort
to throw me onto the blockade of Mantua…”
1066
01:53:26,200 --> 01:53:33,400
‘The enemy’s plan has been unmasked’, Napoleon
announces - and issues a flurry of orders.
1067
01:53:33,400 --> 01:53:38,080
Masséna is to march immediately
to reinforce Joubert…
1068
01:53:38,080 --> 01:53:44,440
Augereau is to send him cavalry and guns, while
the rest of his division keeps watch on Provera…
1069
01:53:44,440 --> 01:53:47,720
Rey is to move up to Castelnuovo...
1070
01:53:47,720 --> 01:53:52,440
Sérurier is to be on high alert, for an
attempted break out by the Mantua garrison...
1071
01:53:54,120 --> 01:53:59,000
While Joubert, the youngest and least
experienced of Napoleon’s divisional
1072
01:53:59,000 --> 01:54:22,360
commanders, is instructed to hold Rivoli at
any cost.. and assured that help is on the way.
1073
01:54:31,480 --> 01:54:35,160
After giving the Austrians
a bloody nose at Ferrara,
1074
01:54:35,160 --> 01:54:44,800
Joubert has extricated his troops overnight,
and taken up a defensive position around Rivoli.
1075
01:54:44,800 --> 01:54:48,000
Napoleon arrives around midnight,
1076
01:54:48,000 --> 01:54:52,320
and immediately sets out with Joubert
to inspect the enemy’s positions.
1077
01:54:55,440 --> 01:55:00,600
“The weather had cleared, and the
moonlight was superb. I climbed the
1078
01:55:00,600 --> 01:55:05,840
different heights and observed the
lines of enemy fires. They filled
1079
01:55:05,840 --> 01:55:10,680
the country between the Adige and Lake
Garda, and the atmosphere was ablaze
1080
01:55:10,680 --> 01:55:20,920
with them. One could easily distinguish
five camps, each composed of a column.”
1081
01:55:20,920 --> 01:55:24,280
Until reinforcements arrive, Napoleon has just
1082
01:55:24,280 --> 01:55:31,600
Joubert’s division - 10,000 men
- to hold off 24,000 Austrians.
1083
01:55:31,600 --> 01:55:37,680
But Alvinczi will help to even the odds,
by ordering Lusignan’s First Column to
1084
01:55:37,680 --> 01:55:43,880
attempt a wide outflanking march, to
cut off the French line of retreat.
1085
01:55:43,880 --> 01:55:49,640
And Napoleon decides the main road to Rivoli,
which passes through a steep defile known
1086
01:55:49,640 --> 01:55:56,760
as the Pontare, can be held by a single
regiment, supported by entrenched cannon.
1087
01:55:56,760 --> 01:56:04,040
This leaves more manageable odds of
9,000 against 12,000 in the centre.
1088
01:56:04,040 --> 01:56:07,440
But Napoleon wants to push out his defensive line,
1089
01:56:07,440 --> 01:56:12,840
to hold the slopes that mark
the edge of the Rivoli plateau.
1090
01:56:12,840 --> 01:56:20,040
At 4am, General Vial’s light infantry
brigade advances through the darkness.
1091
01:56:20,040 --> 01:56:26,040
They drive back the Austrian outposts,
and take the San Marco chapel.
1092
01:56:26,040 --> 01:56:31,040
They’re followed on their left by
the rest of Joubert’s division.
1093
01:56:31,040 --> 01:56:36,400
But the French push too far –
skirmishes break out along the line,
1094
01:56:36,400 --> 01:56:40,800
with heavy fighting on the heights of San Marco.
1095
01:56:40,800 --> 01:56:48,200
Napoleon had not wanted to start the
battle so early, but the combat escalates.
1096
01:56:48,200 --> 01:56:52,240
At dawn, the Austrians
attack the plateau in force.
1097
01:56:55,080 --> 01:57:04,120
The French 85th demi-brigade is outflanked
and routed by Lipthay’s Second Column.
1098
01:57:04,120 --> 01:57:06,800
The 29th Light, on its right,
1099
01:57:06,800 --> 01:57:11,920
is forced to retreat, and it looks
like the French line is crumbling.
1100
01:57:11,920 --> 01:57:19,560
But the 14th, on their right, fights tenaciously.
1101
01:57:19,560 --> 01:57:23,720
It’s an intense infantry battle
across broken ground - vineyards
1102
01:57:23,720 --> 01:57:31,880
and walled gardens – with sudden charges,
hurried withdrawals, and counter charges.
1103
01:57:31,880 --> 01:57:35,320
When the Austrians overrun a French battery,
1104
01:57:35,320 --> 01:57:41,360
an officer demands, “Fourteenth!
Will you let them take your guns?”
1105
01:57:41,360 --> 01:57:51,120
His troops mount a ferocious charge that
routs the Austrians, and reclaims the battery.
1106
01:57:51,120 --> 01:57:57,280
By 9am, Masséna’s troops have begun to arrive.
1107
01:57:57,280 --> 01:58:06,200
They take up position on Joubert’s left
- the buckled French line is stabilised.
1108
01:58:06,200 --> 01:58:13,520
But so far, the French have only
faced half of Alvinczi’s six columns.
1109
01:58:13,520 --> 01:58:19,120
One by one, the others now join the action.
1110
01:58:19,120 --> 01:58:25,600
Vukassovich’s Sixth Column is on the
far side of the Adige River… but its
1111
01:58:25,600 --> 01:58:30,840
guns cause havoc among French
troops holding the Pontare.
1112
01:58:30,840 --> 01:58:37,080
Under this covering fire, Reuss’s Fifth
Column charges up the narrow road,
1113
01:58:37,080 --> 01:58:42,320
and in fierce fighting, storms
the French entrenchments.
1114
01:58:42,320 --> 01:58:51,000
This advance threatens the entire French right
wing with encirclement, and a retreat begins.
1115
01:58:51,000 --> 01:58:55,000
Moments later, gunfire to the southwest reveals
1116
01:58:55,000 --> 01:59:04,040
Lusignan’s First Column has reached
Affi, poised to cut off their escape.
1117
01:59:04,040 --> 01:59:12,320
The French situation is desperate. They are
outnumbered, surrounded, and under heavy attack.
1118
01:59:12,320 --> 01:59:14,880
Napoleon’s staff look anxiously to
1119
01:59:14,880 --> 01:59:22,040
their commander… wondering what
miracle can save the army now.
1120
01:59:39,840 --> 01:59:48,080
Sensing victory, General Alvinczi and his
staff ride forward to urge his infantry on.
1121
01:59:48,080 --> 01:59:54,280
Napoleon.. remains calm. He knows
Alvinczi’s centre columns are near
1122
01:59:54,280 --> 01:59:59,320
exhaustion. And that they have no
cavalry and little artillery support.
1123
01:59:59,320 --> 02:00:03,200
He identifies Reuss’s column
as the most immediate threat,
1124
02:00:03,200 --> 02:00:09,360
and orders Joubert to send every man and
gun he can spare for a counterattack.
1125
02:00:09,360 --> 02:00:14,920
General Leclerc, and a 21-year-old
Captain Lasalle then charge with
1126
02:00:14,920 --> 02:00:20,680
the entire French cavalry –
just a few hundred horsemen.
1127
02:00:20,680 --> 02:00:29,160
Under this onslaught, the lead Austrian
troops are driven back into the gorge.
1128
02:00:29,160 --> 02:00:32,920
Here they collide with the
rest of the column coming up,
1129
02:00:32,920 --> 02:00:40,640
cavalry and infantry jammed together, some
pushing forward, others trying to escape.
1130
02:00:40,640 --> 02:00:46,000
Joubert’s men pour fire down on
them from the overlooking ridge.
1131
02:00:46,000 --> 02:00:51,920
The final straw is the devastating
explosion of an ammunition wagon.
1132
02:01:00,640 --> 02:01:08,400
Austrian morale breaks. The survivors
flood back down the road, to safety.
1133
02:01:08,400 --> 02:01:12,200
Napoleon now turns his full
attention to the centre, where
1134
02:01:12,200 --> 02:01:17,680
the exhausted Austrian columns have
become spread out and disordered.
1135
02:01:17,680 --> 02:01:22,080
The sudden appearance of French
cavalry – supported by infantry and
1136
02:01:22,080 --> 02:01:26,080
guns - sparks panic… and a mass rout.
1137
02:01:26,080 --> 02:01:31,760
Alvinczi – who must have thought himself on
the cusp of victory moments before – must
1138
02:01:31,760 --> 02:01:39,080
join in an undignified race to the rear,
spreading further alarm among his men.
1139
02:01:39,080 --> 02:01:42,480
By 1pm, the bulk of the Austrian army is in
1140
02:01:42,480 --> 02:01:50,760
headlong retreat… leaving Lusignan’s
First Column.. in an awkward position.
1141
02:01:50,760 --> 02:01:55,480
Completely isolated, he begins
a fighting withdrawal… but the
1142
02:01:55,480 --> 02:02:00,640
arrival of General Rey’s brigade
in his rear triggers a rout.
1143
02:02:00,640 --> 02:02:09,480
Fewer than half of his 4,000 men escape.
1144
02:02:09,480 --> 02:02:13,480
Through tenacity, courage and good fortune,
1145
02:02:13,480 --> 02:02:21,040
the Army of Italy has turned a grim
situation into an astonishing triumph.
1146
02:02:21,040 --> 02:02:31,920
French casualties are modest.
Austrian losses are devastating.
1147
02:02:31,920 --> 02:02:36,520
Over the next few days, five
thousand more Austrians are captured,
1148
02:02:36,520 --> 02:02:42,000
as they struggle back through the mountain passes.
1149
02:02:42,000 --> 02:02:47,360
Napoleon will not be there to see
it. He’s received news that Provera
1150
02:02:47,360 --> 02:02:51,840
has crossed the Adige, and is marching on Mantua.
1151
02:02:52,480 --> 02:02:55,240
It is a chance for him to strike one more
1152
02:02:55,240 --> 02:03:16,280
blow against the enemy – and
to seal the fate of Mantua.
1153
02:03:16,280 --> 02:03:22,240
Leaving Joubert in command at Rivoli,
with orders to renew the attack at dawn,
1154
02:03:22,240 --> 02:03:27,480
Napoleon races south with Masséna’s division.
1155
02:03:27,480 --> 02:03:30,440
Provera has no clue of the disaster that’s
1156
02:03:30,440 --> 02:03:36,480
engulfed Alvinczi’s army. Nor that
the wolves now gather for him…
1157
02:03:36,480 --> 02:03:46,640
He pushes on to Mantua, shadowed by Augereau, who
snaps up his rearguard – 2,000 men taken prisoner.
1158
02:03:46,640 --> 02:03:56,840
With just 7,000 left, Provera’s only hope
is to break through the French siege lines.
1159
02:03:56,840 --> 02:04:02,880
First, he tries to attack San
Giorgio. Formidable French
1160
02:04:02,880 --> 02:04:16,840
defences and a powerful cannonade stop him cold.
1161
02:04:16,840 --> 02:04:25,640
The next day, he launches a coordinated attack
with Wurmser against French forces at La Favorita.
1162
02:04:25,640 --> 02:04:32,920
But Napoleon has now arrived with
Masséna’s division from the north.
1163
02:04:32,920 --> 02:04:40,600
Wurmser’s weak, starving men are forced
back into the Citadel… while a determined
1164
02:04:40,600 --> 02:04:49,200
charge by the 57th demi-brigade
smashes into Provera’s flank.
1165
02:04:49,200 --> 02:04:51,880
With Augereau approaching from the east,
1166
02:04:51,880 --> 02:05:08,640
Provera faces impossible odds.. and
surrenders with his entire force.
1167
02:05:08,640 --> 02:05:13,080
Wurmser’s last hope of rescue has been crushed.
1168
02:05:13,080 --> 02:05:18,280
He puts off the inevitable for
two agonising weeks… Until,
1169
02:05:18,280 --> 02:05:26,440
with all food exhausted, he finally accepts
terms for Mantua’s surrender on 2nd February.
1170
02:05:26,440 --> 02:05:35,160
He and an escort will return to Austria. His
16,000 remaining troops become prisoners.
1171
02:05:35,160 --> 02:05:43,880
Austrian losses in the campaign
reach a staggering 44,000 men.
1172
02:05:43,880 --> 02:05:49,240
After 8 months, the siege of
Mantua is over… A victory that
1173
02:05:49,240 --> 02:05:53,320
will soon be celebrated on the streets of Paris.
1174
02:05:53,320 --> 02:06:00,520
But it is General Sérurier, not Napoleon,
who takes the formal Austrian surrender.
1175
02:06:00,520 --> 02:06:21,560
His commander-in-chief has already departed,
to take on his next opponent – the Pope.
1176
02:06:22,560 --> 02:06:28,720
From Rome, Pope Pius the Sixth has once
more been agitating against the French.
1177
02:06:28,720 --> 02:06:37,360
And so Napoleon marches south with 9,000 men
to explain the new realities of power in Italy.
1178
02:06:37,360 --> 02:06:47,000
At Faenza, General Victor’s division sweeps aside
Papal forces, and Ancona is taken without a fight.
1179
02:06:47,000 --> 02:06:52,600
The subsequent Treaty of Tolentino
forces the Pope to give up Romagna,
1180
02:06:52,600 --> 02:06:58,480
as well as 30 million francs and 100 works of art.
1181
02:06:58,480 --> 02:07:05,560
Belatedly, Napoleon’s victories persuade
the Directory to back him in force.
1182
02:07:05,560 --> 02:07:11,320
French armies stuck on the Rhine are
ordered to send him reinforcements.
1183
02:07:11,320 --> 02:07:17,440
Their 34 year old commander - another rising
star of the French army - is congratulated
1184
02:07:17,440 --> 02:07:28,320
on his brilliant winter crossing of the
Alps. His name is General Jean Bernadotte.
1185
02:07:28,320 --> 02:07:32,400
On 10th March, with 70,000 confident,
1186
02:07:32,400 --> 02:07:38,800
seasoned troops under his command,
Napoleon goes on the offensive.
1187
02:07:38,800 --> 02:07:46,320
He sends Joubert to invade the Tyrol…
Masséna to advance up the Piave valley…
1188
02:07:46,320 --> 02:07:51,440
while he leads the bulk of the army
on the most direct road to Vienna.
1189
02:07:52,320 --> 02:07:56,320
The enemy is scattered and demoralised.
1190
02:07:56,320 --> 02:08:02,120
Even the appointment of a new commander,
the Emperor’s own brother Archduke Charles,
1191
02:08:02,120 --> 02:08:08,600
fails to restore morale. Charles is
regarded as a military prodigy – he’s
1192
02:08:08,600 --> 02:08:12,960
two years younger than Napoleon, and
has defeated the armies of both General
1193
02:08:12,960 --> 02:08:21,000
Jourdan and Moreau in Germany. But he
does not have enough troops, or time.
1194
02:08:21,000 --> 02:08:28,560
He fights a delaying action at the
Tagliamento River – but it ends in disaster,
1195
02:08:28,560 --> 02:08:39,440
when Bernadotte surrounds and captures
2,000 Austrians, 10 guns and 8 standards.
1196
02:08:39,440 --> 02:08:49,520
The French pursuit continues, with Masséna
covering Napoleon’s northern flank.
1197
02:08:49,520 --> 02:08:57,120
He arrives at Tarvis in time to
block the Austrians’ retreat.
1198
02:08:57,120 --> 02:09:06,720
In three days’ fighting, the French
take another 3,000 prisoners.
1199
02:09:06,720 --> 02:09:13,720
Napoleon’s troops outmarch and
outfight the Austrians at every turn.
1200
02:09:13,720 --> 02:09:20,000
But his situation is more precarious than it
seems. The other French armies are only just
1201
02:09:20,000 --> 02:09:27,280
crossing the Rhine.. while his own supply
lines are now over-extended and vulnerable.
1202
02:09:27,280 --> 02:09:31,480
Rather than withdraw,
Napoleon continues to advance,
1203
02:09:31,480 --> 02:09:37,400
while proposing to Archduke Charles
that they open peace negotiations.
1204
02:09:37,400 --> 02:09:43,160
The Austrians accept.
1205
02:09:43,160 --> 02:09:51,320
Two days later, both sides agree an
armistice, and peace talks begin at Leoben.
1206
02:09:52,280 --> 02:09:56,440
After five years of conflict, Napoleon’s dazzling
1207
02:09:56,440 --> 02:10:07,560
advance into Austria has brought the
War of the First Coalition to an end...
1208
02:10:07,560 --> 02:10:14,320
So ends Napoleon’s first campaign –
almost exactly a year after it began,
1209
02:10:14,320 --> 02:10:21,320
380 miles away, on the
shores of the Mediterranean.
1210
02:10:37,280 --> 02:10:46,120
Negotiations at Leoben become the basis for the
Treaty of Campo Formio, signed five months later.
1211
02:10:46,120 --> 02:10:51,240
The Austrian Netherlands, roughly
modern Belgium, formally pass to France.
1212
02:10:53,480 --> 02:10:58,400
The Venetian Republic, invaded and
systematically looted by Napoleon’s
1213
02:10:58,400 --> 02:11:06,160
troops, is divided between France and Austria.
1214
02:11:06,160 --> 02:11:13,320
So ends the 1,200 year history of
the Serene Republic of Venice. The
1215
02:11:13,320 --> 02:11:20,560
famous Horses of St.Mark are among its many
treasures despatched to the Louvre in Paris,
1216
02:11:20,560 --> 02:11:27,480
to join its rapidly-expanding Italian collection.
1217
02:11:27,480 --> 02:11:36,160
The French part of Venice joins its other Italian
client-states, to form a new Cisalpine Republic.
1218
02:11:36,160 --> 02:11:46,080
The author of its constitution…
Napoleon Bonaparte.
1219
02:11:46,080 --> 02:11:54,520
It’s an illustration of how far the
27-year-old general has come in just a year.
1220
02:11:54,520 --> 02:11:59,920
Having waged one of the most brilliant
military campaigns in history – many
1221
02:11:59,920 --> 02:12:08,480
would say his best – he now dictates terms to
kings and popes, summons new states into being,
1222
02:12:08,480 --> 02:12:16,640
and nurtures his status as the most
celebrated military commander in Europe.
1223
02:12:16,640 --> 02:12:24,520
He has achieved all this thanks to formidable
intelligence, relentless hard work and inspiring
1224
02:12:24,520 --> 02:12:31,920
leadership, which he has used to forge
a unique bond of trust with his men.
1225
02:12:31,920 --> 02:12:37,400
He’s had luck, too, along the way.
And been ably served by a group of
1226
02:12:37,400 --> 02:12:45,160
brilliant officers – many of whom
will be with him for years to come.
1227
02:12:45,160 --> 02:12:50,640
For Napoleon still has many
extraordinary things to achieve.
1228
02:12:50,640 --> 02:13:17,840
His Italian campaign is just the first chapter..
in one of the most astonishing lives in history.
1229
02:13:17,840 --> 02:13:20,920
May 1798.
1230
02:13:20,920 --> 02:13:27,200
A massive French invasion force
sails across the Mediterranean.
1231
02:13:27,200 --> 02:13:35,800
55,000 men, aboard more than 300 ships,
escorted by 13 ships-of-the-line.
1232
02:13:35,800 --> 02:13:45,240
Aboard the most powerful of these - the 120-gun
L’Orient - sails General Napoleon Bonaparte.
1233
02:13:45,240 --> 02:13:51,040
France’s celebrated hero of the war in Italy
has received new orders from his government.
1234
02:13:53,240 --> 02:13:56,840
He is to lead an expeditionary force east,
1235
02:13:56,840 --> 02:14:01,880
to Egypt… the wealthiest
province of the Ottoman Empire...
1236
02:14:01,880 --> 02:14:14,560
and to all educated Europeans, an
ancient land of mystery and wonder.
1237
02:14:14,560 --> 02:14:17,200
After six years of war in Europe,
1238
02:14:17,200 --> 02:14:24,840
the French Republic faces one last
remaining enemy – Great Britain.
1239
02:14:24,840 --> 02:14:31,160
The conquest of Egypt will strike a powerful blow
against the British, disrupting their trade in
1240
02:14:31,160 --> 02:14:38,080
the Eastern Mediterranean, and threatening
their connections to India and the east.
1241
02:14:38,080 --> 02:14:44,160
These profitable trade networks
help fuel the British war effort.
1242
02:14:44,160 --> 02:14:49,200
What’s more, it will extend France’s
revolutionary, civilizing mission to
1243
02:14:49,200 --> 02:14:58,600
the people of Egypt, liberating them
from superstition and feudalism.
1244
02:14:58,600 --> 02:15:01,480
France’s corrupt and avaricious government,
1245
02:15:01,480 --> 02:15:06,480
the Directory, sees two further
benefits from the campaign…
1246
02:15:06,480 --> 02:15:10,560
The opportunity to acquire tremendous riches…
1247
02:15:10,560 --> 02:15:15,800
And to get the alarmingly popular and
ambitious General Bonaparte far away
1248
02:15:15,800 --> 02:15:20,960
from Paris – where plots and coups
are never far from anyone’s mind.
1249
02:15:22,840 --> 02:15:29,760
Napoleon is thrilled by the expedition, which he
has done much to promote and organize himself.
1250
02:15:29,760 --> 02:15:32,480
It is a chance to win fresh glory,
1251
02:15:32,480 --> 02:15:40,720
and to walk in the footsteps of his heroes
– Julius Caesar, and Alexander the Great.
1252
02:15:40,720 --> 02:15:44,440
Like Alexander, Napoleon even has fanciful notions
1253
02:15:44,440 --> 02:15:49,480
of marching on to India, to
attack the British there.
1254
02:15:49,480 --> 02:15:54,120
“Europe is a molehill” he had
told his secretary, Bourrienne.
1255
02:15:54,120 --> 02:16:02,800
“We must set off for the Orient; that is where
all the greatest glory has been achieved.”
1256
02:16:02,800 --> 02:16:07,600
But the Mediterranean is
dangerous water for the French.
1257
02:16:07,600 --> 02:16:13,640
While the Republic’s armies have won great
victories on land, Britain has cemented its
1258
02:16:13,640 --> 02:16:19,720
status as the dominant naval power of the age
– with decisive victories over French allies:
1259
02:16:19,720 --> 02:16:25,800
the Spanish, at Cape Saint Vincent,
and the Dutch, at Camperdown.
1260
02:16:25,800 --> 02:16:29,600
Rear Admiral Sir Horatio
Nelson and his squadron of
1261
02:16:29,600 --> 02:16:37,680
14 ships-of-the-line now prowl the Mediterranean.
1262
02:16:37,680 --> 02:16:42,280
Nelson knows a large French
fleet has just left Toulon,
1263
02:16:42,280 --> 02:16:50,200
but does not know its destination,
which remains a closely-guarded secret.
1264
02:16:50,200 --> 02:16:59,478
Undetected, the French expedition
sails south along the Italian coast.
1265
02:16:59,478 --> 02:17:07,839
On 9th June, it arrives off Malta.
1266
02:17:07,840 --> 02:17:09,840
The island is ruled by the Knights of
1267
02:17:09,840 --> 02:17:16,160
Saint John – a religious military
order dating back to the Crusades.
1268
02:17:16,160 --> 02:17:19,920
But the French have decided that
they want it for a naval base,
1269
02:17:19,920 --> 02:17:23,359
and a thorn in the side of the British.
1270
02:17:23,359 --> 02:17:33,519
In 1565, the Knights had famously held out
against a vast Ottoman army for three months.
1271
02:17:33,520 --> 02:17:38,318
Now, despised by the locals,
divided amongst themselves,
1272
02:17:38,318 --> 02:17:44,718
the Knights surrender to
Napoleon in just two days.
1273
02:17:44,719 --> 02:17:50,318
During his six days in Malta, Napoleon
overhauls its archaic government,
1274
02:17:50,318 --> 02:17:58,478
establishes schools, abolishes slavery,
and requisitions money and supplies.
1275
02:17:58,478 --> 02:18:07,240
Then he sails for Egypt, leaving General Vaubois
and a 5,000 strong garrison to hold the island.
1276
02:18:07,240 --> 02:18:11,318
But where.. is the Royal Navy?
1277
02:18:11,318 --> 02:18:15,799
Back in May, Nelson’s squadron
had been dispersed by gales.
1278
02:18:15,799 --> 02:18:23,359
He has now regrouped, correctly guessed Napoleon’s
destination, and is racing to intercept.
1279
02:18:23,359 --> 02:18:26,478
If he can catch the French, British seamanship
1280
02:18:26,478 --> 02:18:32,160
and gunnery all but guarantee the
destruction of Napoleon’s fleet.
1281
02:18:32,160 --> 02:18:36,439
Then a lucky break for the French.
1282
02:18:36,439 --> 02:18:43,439
On the night of the 22nd, Nelson’s squadron
passes within a few miles of the French fleet…
1283
02:18:43,439 --> 02:18:50,718
but thanks to heavy fog and darkness, neither
side is even aware of the other’s presence.
1284
02:18:52,240 --> 02:18:59,558
The British squadron sails on to Alexandria..
where they find no sign of the French.
1285
02:18:59,559 --> 02:19:06,920
An exasperated Nelson waits 24 hours,
before heading north to continue his search.
1286
02:19:06,920 --> 02:19:20,719
Just hours later, the first of
Napoleon’s ships arrive off Alexandria.
1287
02:19:27,959 --> 02:19:35,920
Napoleon, aware that British warships are in the
area, wants to disembark as quickly as possible.
1288
02:19:35,920 --> 02:19:39,478
5,000 French infantry go ashore at night,
1289
02:19:39,478 --> 02:19:45,359
storm Alexandria the next morning,
and quickly overpower its garrison.
1290
02:19:45,359 --> 02:19:51,040
The rest of the French army lands safely.
1291
02:19:51,040 --> 02:19:58,399
Napoleon has brought 38,000 troops to
Egypt, mostly veterans of the Army of Italy.
1292
02:19:58,399 --> 02:20:07,160
The five infantry divisions are commanded by
Generals Bon, Desaix, Kléber, Menou, and Reynier.
1293
02:20:07,160 --> 02:20:15,000
The single cavalry division is led by the
towering figure of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas.
1294
02:20:15,000 --> 02:20:20,640
He is France’s first black general - born
in what’s now Haiti, to a French aristocrat
1295
02:20:21,319 --> 02:20:26,399
and enslaved African woman. He has
already won fame for his actions
1296
02:20:26,399 --> 02:20:31,960
in Italy, where the Austrians had
nicknamed him ‘the Black Devil’.
1297
02:20:31,960 --> 02:20:36,280
There are more familiar faces from
Italy – Napoleon’s chief-of-staff,
1298
02:20:36,280 --> 02:20:40,160
the indefatigable General Berthier;
1299
02:20:40,160 --> 02:20:47,880
and brigade commanders, generals
Murat, Lannes, and Marmont.
1300
02:20:47,880 --> 02:20:53,280
The army is also accompanied
by 167 scientists, scholars,
1301
02:20:53,280 --> 02:20:59,160
artists and assorted experts, even a hot
air balloonist. Collectively they are known
1302
02:20:59,160 --> 02:21:06,399
as the “Savants”, and have come to study
Egypt’s historical and natural wonders.
1303
02:21:06,399 --> 02:21:12,679
But they, and Napoleon, find
Alexandria a bitter disappointment.
1304
02:21:12,680 --> 02:21:17,160
The fabled city of antiquity,
founded by Alexander himself,
1305
02:21:17,160 --> 02:21:27,240
has been reduced by centuries of earthquakes and
neglect to a ramshackle town of 6,000 inhabitants.
1306
02:21:27,240 --> 02:21:31,439
Egypt is nominally ruled by the Ottoman Empire.
1307
02:21:31,439 --> 02:21:41,960
In reality, power lies with local Mamluk warlords.
Two in particular: Murad Bey, and Ibrahim Bey.
1308
02:21:41,960 --> 02:21:48,399
Mamluks were originally slave soldiers
who once served the Islamic Caliphate.
1309
02:21:48,399 --> 02:21:54,960
Superb horsemen and fearless warriors,
they now rule Egypt with an iron fist,
1310
02:21:54,960 --> 02:22:00,479
expropriating its wealth, and
leaving its peasants in poverty.
1311
02:22:00,479 --> 02:22:06,559
To most Egyptians, they are despised, foreign
overlords – a situation that Napoleon hopes
1312
02:22:06,560 --> 02:22:12,920
to exploit with clever propaganda. To the
people of Egypt, he proclaims, “I am come
1313
02:22:12,920 --> 02:22:20,520
to restore your rights, and punish usurpers.
I reverence God, his Prophet and the Koran.”
1314
02:22:23,720 --> 02:22:29,040
Meanwhile Murad and Ibrahim summon
Mamluk warlords to the al-Azhar
1315
02:22:29,040 --> 02:22:37,760
Mosque in Cairo. Here, they agree to
gather an army to crush the invaders.
1316
02:22:37,760 --> 02:22:42,160
Napoleon believes his best
option is to strike quickly.
1317
02:22:42,160 --> 02:22:50,439
Less than a day after his troops finish
landing, he begins his advance on Cairo.
1318
02:22:51,200 --> 02:22:59,080
But he misjudges the blistering climate,
and the barren, windswept landscape.
1319
02:22:59,080 --> 02:23:04,640
He forces the pace, even after his men
run out of water, and are consumed by
1320
02:23:04,640 --> 02:23:15,760
thirst. Hundreds collapse and die. A few
kill themselves to escape the suffering.
1321
02:23:15,760 --> 02:23:19,520
Bedouin horsemen circle the French like vultures.
1322
02:23:19,520 --> 02:23:26,479
Stragglers that fall into their hands
are robbed, tortured and killed.
1323
02:23:26,479 --> 02:23:29,479
Even old comrades like Lannes and Murat are
1324
02:23:29,479 --> 02:23:37,000
involved in heated conversations
about Napoleon’s decision-making.
1325
02:23:37,000 --> 02:23:43,080
The army takes four days to cover the
45 miles to Damanhur, where mercifully,
1326
02:23:43,080 --> 02:23:48,559
they are able to rest, drink and trade for food.
1327
02:23:48,560 --> 02:23:50,440
It's not a moment too soon.
1328
02:23:51,200 --> 02:23:58,519
News arrives that a large force of Mamluks under
Murad Bey is approaching from the southeast.
1329
02:23:58,520 --> 02:24:04,960
The French advance to meet them at
Shubra Khit, on the banks of the Nile.
1330
02:24:04,960 --> 02:24:11,760
As 4,000 Mamluk horsemen come into view, the
French marvel at their brightly colored outfits,
1331
02:24:11,760 --> 02:24:16,479
embellished with gold and jewels..
and their many, ornate weapons,
1332
02:24:16,479 --> 02:24:20,359
including pistols, swords, daggers, and lances.
1333
02:24:21,160 --> 02:24:29,200
Murad boasts that he will sever Frenchmen’s
heads like slicing watermelons in a field.
1334
02:24:29,200 --> 02:24:31,639
But for all their bravado and panache,
1335
02:24:31,640 --> 02:24:38,640
the Mamluks have neither the discipline
nor tactics to face a trained, modern army.
1336
02:24:38,640 --> 02:24:43,640
When Napoleon forms his troops into
giant squares, the Mamluk cavalry can
1337
02:24:43,640 --> 02:24:50,320
only circle impotently, unable to break
through the walls of French bayonets.
1338
02:24:51,439 --> 02:25:00,359
Scores are shot from the saddle. After two hours,
the Mamluks call off their attack, and retreat.
1339
02:25:00,359 --> 02:25:08,200
They have suffered around a thousand
casualties. The French have scarcely lost a man.
1340
02:25:08,200 --> 02:25:15,319
The victory is a much-needed morale boost for
Napoleon’s men after the hardships of the desert.
1341
02:25:15,319 --> 02:25:20,439
The Mamluks fall back to Embaba, a
small town on the banks of the Nile,
1342
02:25:20,439 --> 02:25:24,599
across the river from Cairo.
1343
02:25:24,600 --> 02:25:30,240
Here, within sight of Egypt’s fabled
Pyramids nine miles to the south,
1344
02:25:30,240 --> 02:25:50,240
they will face the invader..
with their full force.
1345
02:26:00,040 --> 02:26:07,720
On the sweltering afternoon of 21st
July, Napoleon’s forces approach Embaba.
1346
02:26:07,720 --> 02:26:14,120
He has 25,000 men, organized into
five giant, divisional squares,
1347
02:26:14,120 --> 02:26:20,240
with cavalry and baggage inside,
and cannon at every corner.
1348
02:26:21,479 --> 02:26:24,519
Murad, with characteristic boldness,
1349
02:26:24,520 --> 02:26:30,640
has crossed to the west bank of
the Nile, leaving Ibrahim behind.
1350
02:26:30,640 --> 02:26:38,760
Their forces total many thousands, but
sources disagree wildly on just how many.
1351
02:26:38,760 --> 02:26:44,560
His elite Mamluk cavalry – 6,000 strong
- are deployed between the small village
1352
02:26:44,560 --> 02:26:50,359
of Biktil and the well-fortified town of
Embaba.. which is garrisoned by a mix of
1353
02:26:50,359 --> 02:26:58,200
Ottoman infantry, and peasant militia.
Napoleon’s plan is simple - to drive
1354
02:26:58,200 --> 02:27:05,160
through the enemy center, and crush
their right flank against the river.
1355
02:27:05,160 --> 02:27:12,359
At 3:30 pm, Desaix and Reynier’s
divisions begin their advance.
1356
02:27:12,359 --> 02:27:18,080
But as they move across the broken ground,
their formation becomes disordered.
1357
02:27:18,080 --> 02:27:22,960
Murad spots his chance, and unleashes his cavalry.
1358
02:27:22,960 --> 02:27:27,040
The Mamluks thunder forward at lightning speed.
1359
02:27:27,040 --> 02:27:32,040
Desaix and Reynier react just
in time, and close ranks.
1360
02:27:32,040 --> 02:27:41,040
The French hold their fire until the last
moment, then unleash a devastating volley.
1361
02:27:41,040 --> 02:27:43,880
Horses and riders are sent tumbling.
1362
02:27:43,880 --> 02:27:47,080
The survivors have no way to
get to grips with the enemy,
1363
02:27:47,080 --> 02:27:50,120
who continue pouring deadly fire into their midst.
1364
02:27:52,240 --> 02:28:00,479
The Mamluks wheel back to regroup,
but more charges meet the same result.
1365
02:28:00,479 --> 02:28:05,639
Many Mamluks simply give up and flee the field.
1366
02:28:05,640 --> 02:28:12,120
Napoleon orders the divisions
of Bon and Vial to move forward.
1367
02:28:12,120 --> 02:28:16,840
Once more the Mamluk cavalry charge. Once more the
1368
02:28:16,840 --> 02:28:22,680
wave of horsemen shatters on
French musketry and bayonets.
1369
02:28:22,680 --> 02:28:32,640
With the enemy cavalry broken, Bon
and Vial’s men pour into Embaba.
1370
02:28:32,640 --> 02:28:44,720
It is a slaughter. Those who are not killed
flee into the Nile, where hundreds drown.
1371
02:28:44,720 --> 02:28:49,760
Murad Bey escapes with the
remnants of his cavalry to Giza,
1372
02:28:49,760 --> 02:28:53,200
from where he will withdraw to southern Egypt.
1373
02:28:53,200 --> 02:29:04,960
Ibrahim Bey watches the calamity unfold across the
river, then withdraws with his men back to Cairo.
1374
02:29:04,960 --> 02:29:11,240
It is a crushing, one-sided
victory that takes just two hours.
1375
02:29:11,240 --> 02:29:15,240
The Mamluks suffer more than 5,000 casualties,
1376
02:29:15,240 --> 02:29:20,439
with heavy losses among their
elite cavalry and leadership.
1377
02:29:20,439 --> 02:29:26,359
French losses are less than 300, mostly wounded.
1378
02:29:26,359 --> 02:29:31,920
Napoleon, with his usual flair for PR,
decides this great victory will be known
1379
02:29:31,920 --> 02:29:38,520
as the Battle of the Pyramids..
just in sight, to the south.
1380
02:29:38,520 --> 02:29:44,800
On 24th July, Napoleon enters Cairo.
1381
02:29:44,800 --> 02:29:47,880
Parts of the city are abandoned and in ashes,
1382
02:29:47,880 --> 02:29:51,960
after being torched by the Mamluks
in their frantic withdrawal.
1383
02:29:51,960 --> 02:29:57,439
Napoleon observes “It would be difficult
to find a richer land and a more wretched,
1384
02:29:57,439 --> 02:30:01,439
ignorant, and brutish people.”
1385
02:30:01,439 --> 02:30:11,160
Nonetheless, Cairo is the heart of Egypt, a city
of 600,000 inhabitants... and is in French hands.
1386
02:30:11,160 --> 02:30:14,080
With the Mamluks scattered and on the run,
1387
02:30:14,080 --> 02:30:19,960
Napoleon’s dream of eastern
conquest seems about to be realized.
1388
02:30:21,359 --> 02:30:38,719
Just eight days later, the dream is shattered.
1389
02:30:38,720 --> 02:30:43,120
At sea, Nelson and the British
Mediterranean squadron have not
1390
02:30:43,120 --> 02:30:46,800
given up their hunt for the French fleet.
1391
02:30:46,800 --> 02:30:56,640
Finally, on the afternoon of 1st August, Nelson
finds the French, sheltering in Aboukir Bay.
1392
02:30:56,640 --> 02:31:05,000
With 14 ships of the line against 13,
he decides to attack that evening.
1393
02:31:05,000 --> 02:31:08,960
The British win a complete and stunning victory.
1394
02:31:08,960 --> 02:31:20,240
The giant French flagship, L’Orient,
is destroyed in a massive explosion.
1395
02:31:20,240 --> 02:31:23,599
By the time it's over, the
British have destroyed or
1396
02:31:23,600 --> 02:31:31,399
captured 11 French ships-of-the-line,
and taken more than 3,000 prisoners.
1397
02:31:31,399 --> 02:31:35,639
With no fleet, Napoleon is stranded in Egypt.
1398
02:31:35,640 --> 02:31:42,000
What’s more, most of his army’s
cash has gone down with L'Orient.
1399
02:31:42,000 --> 02:31:48,920
But Napoleon does not despair. If
anything, he is invigorated by the crisis.
1400
02:31:48,920 --> 02:31:53,960
His options are now simple. He and his army must
1401
02:31:53,960 --> 02:32:01,680
support themselves in this
foreign land, or perish.
1402
02:32:01,680 --> 02:32:06,279
While General Desaix is sent
south in pursuit of Murad Bey,
1403
02:32:06,279 --> 02:32:11,880
Napoleon sets about reforming
the administration of Egypt.
1404
02:32:11,880 --> 02:32:18,640
The old feudal system is abolished. A
postal service and hospitals are set up,
1405
02:32:18,640 --> 02:32:23,960
and a new tax system introduced.
1406
02:32:23,960 --> 02:32:32,160
Napoleon establishes the ‘Institute of
Egypt’ for scientific and scholarly research.
1407
02:32:32,160 --> 02:32:38,880
He shows great interest in and respect for
Islam, funding the construction of mosques,
1408
02:32:38,880 --> 02:32:43,399
and encouraging the observance
of religious festivals.
1409
02:32:43,399 --> 02:32:47,319
Such engagement later leads to
rumours that Napoleon actually
1410
02:32:47,319 --> 02:32:55,080
converted to Islam. But it is merely
a tactic, to curry local favour.
1411
02:32:55,080 --> 02:33:02,720
Napoleon also grapples with news that his wife
Josephine has resumed her affair with an ex-lover.
1412
02:33:02,720 --> 02:33:07,600
It is, he’s told, common
knowledge amongst Paris society.
1413
02:33:07,600 --> 02:33:16,520
He consoles himself with affairs of his
own... including one with an officer’s wife.
1414
02:33:16,520 --> 02:33:24,240
All the while, French efforts to win
over the local population.. are failing.
1415
02:33:24,240 --> 02:33:31,000
Most Egyptians see only
foreign occupiers and infidels.
1416
02:33:31,000 --> 02:33:37,640
The situation is already at boiling point.
Minor revolts break out across the Nile Delta,
1417
02:33:37,640 --> 02:33:42,439
which are brutally suppressed by the French.
1418
02:33:42,439 --> 02:33:45,759
Then in September, from Constantinople,
1419
02:33:45,760 --> 02:33:49,720
Sultan Selim the Third declares
a holy war against the French.
1420
02:33:51,520 --> 02:34:09,359
Now, the situation in Egypt is about to explode.
1421
02:34:09,359 --> 02:34:15,399
Cairo. 21st October, 1798.
1422
02:34:15,399 --> 02:34:23,000
General Dupuy, Cairo’s military governor,
is called out to break up a disturbance.
1423
02:34:23,000 --> 02:34:30,240
He finds the locals erecting
barricades, is set upon, and killed.
1424
02:34:30,240 --> 02:34:36,559
Soon, the whole city is up in arms.
1425
02:34:36,560 --> 02:34:41,960
The French fight back with ruthless
discipline, and crush the revolt.
1426
02:34:41,960 --> 02:34:49,680
Some 300 French soldiers are killed,
alongside several thousand Egyptians.
1427
02:34:49,680 --> 02:34:53,680
Napoleon ostentatiously pardons the ringleaders…
1428
02:34:53,680 --> 02:34:57,399
while quietly telling Berthier
that every rioter caught with a
1429
02:34:57,399 --> 02:35:04,000
weapon is to be beheaded,
and thrown into the Nile.
1430
02:35:04,000 --> 02:35:09,080
The French have bloodily
reasserted control in Cairo.
1431
02:35:09,080 --> 02:35:18,479
But it is clear Napoleon will never win
the hearts and minds of the Egyptians.
1432
02:35:18,479 --> 02:35:23,000
The next few months see the
French languish in Cairo.
1433
02:35:23,000 --> 02:35:27,680
There is limited communication
with France, much homesickness,
1434
02:35:27,680 --> 02:35:33,640
and a dwindling supply of
stores, ammunition and wine.
1435
02:35:33,640 --> 02:35:43,319
There is also an outbreak of bubonic plague, which
torments the army, and further thins its ranks.
1436
02:35:43,319 --> 02:35:47,880
The only action is in the south,
where General Desaix’s column,
1437
02:35:47,880 --> 02:35:54,399
2,800 men, pursue Murad Bey deep into Upper Egypt.
1438
02:35:54,399 --> 02:36:02,160
In this epic chase, one officer distinguishes
himself – a 28-year-old cavalry brigadier,
1439
02:36:02,160 --> 02:36:07,040
named Louis-Nicolas Davout.
1440
02:36:07,040 --> 02:36:15,120
On 22nd January 1799, he and Desaix
inflict a serious defeat on Murad Bey,
1441
02:36:15,120 --> 02:36:17,840
scattering his remaining forces.
1442
02:36:17,840 --> 02:36:23,279
Murad himself escapes, and remains at large.
1443
02:36:23,279 --> 02:36:30,200
But such military victories do little to
change the outlook for Napoleon’s expedition.
1444
02:36:30,200 --> 02:36:38,479
They remain 1,600 miles from France, with no
prospect of reinforcements, or getting home.
1445
02:36:38,479 --> 02:36:43,319
Napoleon briefly puts his
hopes in a diplomatic solution.
1446
02:36:43,319 --> 02:36:47,799
France’s foreign minister – the
brilliant, urbane and slippery
1447
02:36:47,800 --> 02:36:54,640
Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand - had been an
early supporter of the Egyptian expedition.
1448
02:36:54,640 --> 02:36:59,200
He’s assured Napoleon that he will
personally travel to Constantinople,
1449
02:36:59,200 --> 02:37:04,679
to smooth relations with the
Sultan, and win Egypt for France.
1450
02:37:04,680 --> 02:37:08,240
But Talleyrand never leaves Paris.
1451
02:37:08,240 --> 02:37:14,399
The Sultan remains furious at France’s
attack on his Egyptian province.
1452
02:37:14,399 --> 02:37:21,040
There is to be no negotiation, and no
compromise. Orders have gone out to every
1453
02:37:21,040 --> 02:37:28,560
corner of the Ottoman Empire, to raise
troops, to drive out the French invader.
1454
02:37:28,560 --> 02:37:35,080
Napoleon’s position looks more desperate
than it’s ever been – his troops cut off,
1455
02:37:35,080 --> 02:37:39,760
disease-ridden, in the midst
of a hostile population…
1456
02:37:39,760 --> 02:37:43,640
He will respond in the way
that seems obvious to him,
1457
02:37:43,640 --> 02:37:49,440
as it would to his hero
Alexander – he will attack.
1458
02:37:50,200 --> 02:37:57,000
The forces gathering in Syria, rumoured to
be 50,000 strong, pose the greatest threat.
1459
02:37:57,000 --> 02:38:04,200
So they will be his first target.
1460
02:38:04,200 --> 02:38:10,120
On 10th February, Napoleon leads
a force of just 13,000 men into
1461
02:38:10,120 --> 02:38:14,760
the Sinai Desert, bound for the Holy Land.
1462
02:38:14,760 --> 02:38:19,440
It’s all the men he can spare, with
so many needed to hold down Egypt.
1463
02:38:21,200 --> 02:38:27,559
Nevertheless, it’s a highly-motivated,
experienced and well-led force - organized
1464
02:38:27,560 --> 02:38:37,760
into four infantry divisions, and a
cavalry brigade, commanded by Murat.
1465
02:38:37,760 --> 02:38:46,439
For Napoleon, speed and surprise are imperative
– but things start to go wrong very quickly.
1466
02:38:46,439 --> 02:38:49,919
The French are again poorly prepared for the harsh
1467
02:38:49,920 --> 02:38:59,880
conditions and heat of the desert.
Water is scarce. Food runs short.
1468
02:38:59,880 --> 02:39:09,840
At el-Arish, they unexpectedly find the
town garrisoned by 3,000 Ottoman soldiers.
1469
02:39:09,840 --> 02:39:19,360
The siege holds Napoleon up for 11 days, and costs
400 casualties, both of which he can ill afford.
1470
02:39:21,240 --> 02:39:27,840
The garrison’s surrender is secured only
with generous terms: they are disarmed but
1471
02:39:27,840 --> 02:39:38,479
allowed to leave, after swearing an oath not
to take up arms against the French for a year.
1472
02:39:38,479 --> 02:39:43,839
The French army continues into
Palestine - its fertile plains
1473
02:39:43,840 --> 02:39:48,600
and fruit trees a relief after the desert.
1474
02:39:48,600 --> 02:39:52,960
On 24th February, the French occupy Gaza,
1475
02:39:52,960 --> 02:40:00,720
where they are delighted to find large stores of
food and ammunition, abandoned by the Ottomans.
1476
02:40:00,720 --> 02:40:11,120
Napoleon’s next objective is the port-city
of Jaffa, held by 5,000 Ottoman soldiers.
1477
02:40:11,120 --> 02:40:19,319
His field guns blast away at its stone
walls, until finally, a breach is made.
1478
02:40:20,000 --> 02:40:25,800
But when Napoleon sends a messenger to invite
surrender, to spare both sides the horrors
1479
02:40:25,800 --> 02:40:35,840
of an assault – the Ottomans cut off his
head, and display it from the city walls.
1480
02:40:35,840 --> 02:40:42,279
Enraged French soldiers storm the
breach, and overwhelm the defenders.
1481
02:40:42,279 --> 02:40:49,240
Then they flood into the city, embarking
on a killing spree that lasts 24 hours.
1482
02:40:52,520 --> 02:40:58,880
“The sights were terrible,” wrote one French
witness, “the sound of shots, the shrieks of women
1483
02:40:58,880 --> 02:41:08,920
and fathers… piles of bodies, the smell of blood…
the shouts of victors quarrelling about loot.”
1484
02:41:08,920 --> 02:41:13,720
The butchery is indiscriminate –
women and children are slaughtered,
1485
02:41:13,720 --> 02:41:18,319
alongside 2,000 Ottoman soldiers.
1486
02:41:18,319 --> 02:41:44,319
The next day, order is gradually
restored. But more horrors are to come.
1487
02:41:44,319 --> 02:41:47,120
In the aftermath of the sack of Jaffa,
1488
02:41:47,120 --> 02:41:55,240
Napoleon finds himself with 3,000 Ottoman
prisoners, who have been promised their lives.
1489
02:41:55,240 --> 02:42:00,840
But with his troops and supplies already
stretched thin, he is reluctant to spare any,
1490
02:42:00,840 --> 02:42:05,359
to guard or feed these unwanted captives.
1491
02:42:05,359 --> 02:42:10,799
Besides, some are from the garrison of
el-Arish, and have broken their oath not
1492
02:42:10,800 --> 02:42:17,520
to take up arms against the French.
And they beheaded his messenger...
1493
02:42:17,520 --> 02:42:25,920
After conferring with his officers, Napoleon
gives the order to execute the prisoners.
1494
02:42:25,920 --> 02:42:33,880
Over three days, the French lead the prisoners
in batches to the beach, and slaughter them.
1495
02:42:33,880 --> 02:42:39,479
Some are shot. Some are simply driven
into the sea. And by the third day,
1496
02:42:39,479 --> 02:42:45,240
French troops are ordered to use
bayonets, to save their ammunition.
1497
02:42:45,240 --> 02:42:49,120
It is an atrocity that Napoleon will
defend for the rest of his life.
1498
02:42:50,000 --> 02:42:55,479
“I had no choice,” he insists, many years later.
1499
02:42:55,479 --> 02:43:00,959
But the massacres provide easy propaganda
for his enemies, while if the intention
1500
02:43:00,960 --> 02:43:09,279
was to terrify his enemies, it seems only
to have encouraged them to fight harder.
1501
02:43:09,279 --> 02:43:19,120
As if by divine judgement, within days, hundreds
of French soldiers fall sick with bubonic plague.
1502
02:43:19,760 --> 02:43:22,640
Napoleon shows considerable bravery,
1503
02:43:22,640 --> 02:43:32,240
visiting the sick in hospital – an act later
celebrated by his own propaganda machine.
1504
02:43:32,240 --> 02:43:40,840
Napoleon now heads towards
his main objective – Acre.
1505
02:43:40,840 --> 02:43:45,080
The ancient port-city, famed
for its role in the Crusades,
1506
02:43:45,080 --> 02:43:49,399
is now the seat of the local Ottoman governor.
1507
02:43:49,399 --> 02:43:58,240
He is Ahmed Pasha al-Djezzar - known as ‘The
Butcher’. For 25 years, he has ruled Syria
1508
02:43:58,240 --> 02:44:06,719
with an iron fist, and is notorious for
his imaginative tortures, and executions.
1509
02:44:06,720 --> 02:44:10,319
He has ignored Napoleon’s invitation to surrender.
1510
02:44:10,319 --> 02:44:19,040
And what’s more, unknown to Napoleon, two British
ships-of-the-line have arrived to support him.
1511
02:44:19,840 --> 02:44:26,080
Napoleon arrives at Mount Carmel -
12 miles south of Acre – just in time
1512
02:44:26,080 --> 02:44:33,479
to see the British capture a coastal
convoy, carrying his vital siege guns.
1513
02:44:33,479 --> 02:44:49,040
Their loss is a massive blow
to his hopes for a quick siege.
1514
02:44:54,560 --> 02:45:05,200
On 18th March, the French arrive outside
Acre’s walls, and start to dig in.
1515
02:45:05,200 --> 02:45:10,800
Without their siege guns, the city’s
defences are a major challenge.
1516
02:45:10,800 --> 02:45:17,720
Acre bristles with 250 guns, is
surrounded on three sides by the sea,
1517
02:45:17,720 --> 02:45:22,399
and on the other, by walls that are 8 feet thick.
1518
02:45:22,399 --> 02:45:28,839
The British control the sea, ensuring
easy resupply, and have landed marines,
1519
02:45:28,840 --> 02:45:36,680
naval gun crews - and now Napoleon’s own
siege guns - to bolster the defences.
1520
02:45:36,680 --> 02:45:44,240
The British commander, Commodore Sir Sidney Smith,
is energetic and full of ideas. While a French
1521
02:45:44,240 --> 02:45:53,840
emigré, Antoine de Phélippeaux, a former classmate
of Napoleon’s, provides expert siege advice.
1522
02:45:53,840 --> 02:46:00,160
Ten days after their arrival,
the French bombardment begins.
1523
02:46:00,160 --> 02:46:05,439
Napoleon’s field guns smash a small
breach in the walls, but are then
1524
02:46:05,439 --> 02:46:14,399
overwhelmed by counterfire. 40 gunners are
killed, and all but three guns disabled.
1525
02:46:14,399 --> 02:46:18,920
Napoleon sends in his
infantry, with scaling ladders.
1526
02:46:21,479 --> 02:46:24,599
A hidden moat breaks up their assault,
1527
02:46:24,600 --> 02:46:30,520
while defenders blast them with
muskets, and hurl down rocks.
1528
02:46:30,520 --> 02:46:34,359
The French hurriedly fall back in disorder.
1529
02:46:34,359 --> 02:46:39,479
Any man left behind is likely to
be decapitated – ‘the Butcher’ has
1530
02:46:39,479 --> 02:46:44,719
offered a reward for every
French head he is brought.
1531
02:46:44,720 --> 02:46:52,800
The French then repel an Ottoman
sortie, inflicting heavy losses.
1532
02:46:52,800 --> 02:46:59,200
The siege of Acre enters a stalemate.
Napoleon will wait for heavier guns to
1533
02:46:59,200 --> 02:47:12,760
arrive from Alexandria, before
he risks another assault.
1534
02:47:12,760 --> 02:47:18,080
But then, alarming news
arrives to disrupt this plan.
1535
02:47:18,080 --> 02:47:26,880
The Ottoman army gathering to the
north - 40,000 strong - is on the move.
1536
02:47:26,880 --> 02:47:36,040
Napoleon can spare just 4,000 men to face them.
The odds seem insane, but Napoleon trusts in the
1537
02:47:36,040 --> 02:47:42,600
training and experience of his troops, and
particularly, the quality of his officers.
1538
02:47:42,600 --> 02:47:48,200
Unsure of the enemy’s line of
advance, he divides his force.
1539
02:47:48,200 --> 02:47:50,920
On 8th April, at Nazareth,
1540
02:47:50,920 --> 02:47:57,240
Junot locates and scatters an enemy
cavalry force ten times his number.
1541
02:47:57,240 --> 02:48:02,920
Three days later, Kléber defeats 5,000 at Cana…
1542
02:48:02,920 --> 02:48:09,240
while Murat surprises another
force north of Lake Galilee.
1543
02:48:09,240 --> 02:48:15,240
On the 15th, General Kléber receives word
that the main enemy force has swung round
1544
02:48:15,240 --> 02:48:22,279
to the south, and is camped near Mount
Hamoreh – 8 miles from Mount Tabor.
1545
02:48:22,279 --> 02:48:34,559
Seeking glory, Kléber advances with just his own
division, intending to surprise the enemy at dawn.
1546
02:48:34,560 --> 02:48:38,279
But he misjudges the march - when the sun rises,
1547
02:48:38,279 --> 02:48:47,279
he’s exposed on open ground,
his 1,500 men facing 35,000.
1548
02:48:47,279 --> 02:48:50,000
Kléber’s division forms square,
1549
02:48:50,000 --> 02:48:56,760
and under a scorching sun, holds
the enemy at bay for 10 hours.
1550
02:48:56,760 --> 02:49:03,160
But they are running low on ammunition,
and desperate for reinforcements.
1551
02:49:03,160 --> 02:49:11,519
Napoleon, meanwhile, is racing
towards them with 2,500 men.
1552
02:49:11,520 --> 02:49:16,640
He arrives just in time – attacking
the Ottoman army from behind,
1553
02:49:16,640 --> 02:49:18,720
taking them completely by surprise.
1554
02:49:21,399 --> 02:49:29,759
Most of their forces are a peasant militia, and
seized by panic, they flee in all directions.
1555
02:49:29,760 --> 02:49:38,840
Kléber joins the attack. The
Ottoman army disintegrates.
1556
02:49:38,840 --> 02:49:42,479
At a cost of fewer than 300 casualties,
1557
02:49:42,479 --> 02:49:48,639
Napoleon has destroyed the enemy relief
force, and secured control of Palestine.
1558
02:49:49,920 --> 02:50:11,319
The fall of Acre must now surely follow…
1559
02:50:11,319 --> 02:50:17,599
But at Acre, the situation is
deteriorating for the French.
1560
02:50:17,600 --> 02:50:19,720
Without control of the sea,
1561
02:50:19,720 --> 02:50:25,840
they can do nothing to prevent supplies
and reinforcements entering the city…
1562
02:50:25,840 --> 02:50:30,359
While their own ammunition stocks
are so low, men are sent to find
1563
02:50:30,359 --> 02:50:35,799
spent cannonballs, to fire back at the city.
1564
02:50:35,800 --> 02:50:44,720
Most alarmingly, plague breaks out in the
French camp, with around 20 new cases every day.
1565
02:50:44,720 --> 02:50:49,800
Then, suddenly, a chance to
end the siege: on 24th April,
1566
02:50:49,800 --> 02:50:57,200
the French explode a mine under one of
Acre’s towers, causing serious damage.
1567
02:50:57,200 --> 02:51:00,080
Napoleon orders an immediate assault.
1568
02:51:00,080 --> 02:51:04,600
Hundreds of grenadiers charge
forward, but once more they
1569
02:51:04,600 --> 02:51:10,160
come under torrential fire, and have to fall back.
1570
02:51:10,160 --> 02:51:12,960
The clock is ticking for Napoleon.
1571
02:51:12,960 --> 02:51:18,520
Surely it won’t be long before the Ottoman
army assembled at Rhodes makes its move.
1572
02:51:19,760 --> 02:51:29,239
And he fears having to recross the Sinai Desert
in high summer, when the heat will be lethal.
1573
02:51:29,239 --> 02:51:35,639
Finally, on 7th May, Napoleon’s
replacement siege artillery arrives.
1574
02:51:35,640 --> 02:51:41,920
Not wasting a moment, the French
heavy guns open fire next morning.
1575
02:51:41,920 --> 02:51:47,279
Large sections of the city’s
crumbling walls are brought down.
1576
02:51:47,279 --> 02:51:58,599
French troops attack at multiple points.
Some fight their way into the city. But
1577
02:51:58,600 --> 02:52:05,319
counterattacks by British marines
and Turkish troops throw them back.
1578
02:52:05,319 --> 02:52:10,000
General Lannes is wounded in the
neck, and has to be dragged to safety,
1579
02:52:10,000 --> 02:52:16,080
narrowly escaping the Pasha’s head-choppers.
1580
02:52:16,080 --> 02:52:25,760
On 10th May, Napoleon calls on Kléber’s
grenadiers to make a final attempt on the city.
1581
02:52:25,760 --> 02:52:30,279
‘Nothing could be more beautiful
than Kléber on the day of battle’,
1582
02:52:30,279 --> 02:52:40,599
remarks Napoleon, as the general leads his
division forward, with unflinching courage.
1583
02:52:40,600 --> 02:52:48,440
General Bon advances with his troops, in
support. He is mortally wounded in the fighting.
1584
02:52:51,040 --> 02:52:54,880
For all the French heroism and courage on display,
1585
02:52:54,880 --> 02:53:01,640
the firepower, ferocity and skill of
their enemy proves insurmountable.
1586
02:53:01,640 --> 02:53:11,239
Napoleon, observing the attack from a forward
battery, is knocked off his feet by a near miss.
1587
02:53:11,239 --> 02:53:17,160
Finally, he accepts his men
have done all that can be asked.
1588
02:53:17,160 --> 02:53:33,880
The attempt to take Acre… has failed.
1589
02:53:33,880 --> 02:53:39,279
Acre is Napoleon’s first major military defeat.
1590
02:53:39,279 --> 02:53:44,960
The 4-month campaign will
cost him 4,500 casualties,
1591
02:53:44,960 --> 02:53:48,439
more than a third of his army’s fighting strength.
1592
02:53:49,720 --> 02:53:57,960
Nevertheless, Napoleon has succeeded in his main
objective – neutralising the threat from Syria.
1593
02:53:57,960 --> 02:54:07,720
On 20th May, his army begins the
300-mile march back to Egypt.
1594
02:54:07,720 --> 02:54:13,680
En route, at Jaffa, Napoleon orders that
around fifty of his men, riddled with plague
1595
02:54:13,680 --> 02:54:20,120
and unable to march, be put out of their
suffering, with an overdose of laudanum.
1596
02:54:20,120 --> 02:54:25,040
They are mercy-killings – the victims would
have suffered worse at the hands of the
1597
02:54:25,040 --> 02:54:39,359
enemy – but the decision is still controversial.
The French retreat continues into the desert.
1598
02:54:39,359 --> 02:54:48,319
The heat is overpowering, and water in
short supply. Morale is at rock bottom.
1599
02:54:51,520 --> 02:55:00,920
Finally, after 25 days of marching, the
army reaches Cairo on the 14th of June.
1600
02:55:00,920 --> 02:55:06,960
Their return is marked by triumphal
parades and celebrations across the city,
1601
02:55:06,960 --> 02:55:13,359
organised... by Napoleon. He is determined that
1602
02:55:13,359 --> 02:55:21,920
his campaign be seen as a stunning
success, in Cairo, and in France.
1603
02:55:21,920 --> 02:55:25,479
The men have just a few weeks to rest.
1604
02:55:25,479 --> 02:55:45,160
On 15th July, news arrives that the long-awaited
Ottoman invasion has begun, at Aboukir.
1605
02:55:45,160 --> 02:55:48,479
There is no time to lose. Napoleon must
1606
02:55:48,479 --> 02:55:55,559
hit the enemy immediately, before he
can break out into the Nile Delta.
1607
02:55:55,560 --> 02:55:59,319
With most of the Cairo garrison, Murat’s cavalry,
1608
02:55:59,319 --> 02:56:08,279
and Kléber’s division -10,000 men
in all - he races towards Aboukir.
1609
02:56:08,279 --> 02:56:15,120
The experienced Ottoman commander –
Said Mustafa Pasha – has 9,000 men,
1610
02:56:15,120 --> 02:56:21,319
entrenched in two defensive lines,
guarding the fortress of Aboukir.
1611
02:56:21,319 --> 02:56:26,840
His plan is to force the French
to attack his strong defences.
1612
02:56:26,840 --> 02:56:33,560
Napoleon is thrilled to learn
this. The enemy has nowhere to run.
1613
02:56:33,560 --> 02:56:41,680
At dawn on 25th July, he orders an all-out attack.
1614
02:56:41,680 --> 02:56:48,240
The first Ottoman defensive line had not
been completed… and is overrun in minutes.
1615
02:56:49,359 --> 02:56:57,279
French cavalry sweep around to
cut off the Ottoman right flank.
1616
02:56:57,279 --> 02:57:00,920
Hemmed in against the sea, the defenders panic and
1617
02:57:00,920 --> 02:57:11,840
flee into the water, hoping to reach
the ships offshore. Thousands drown.
1618
02:57:11,840 --> 02:57:18,479
With Destang’s division advancing on the
left, Lannes in the centre and Murat’s cavalry
1619
02:57:18,479 --> 02:57:27,719
on the right, the French now advance
against the second Ottoman line.
1620
02:57:27,720 --> 02:57:35,359
Anchored by several redoubts, it resists the
first assault. But when the French fall back,
1621
02:57:35,359 --> 02:57:41,319
overeager Turkish soldiers leave
their entrenchments to pursue them.
1622
02:57:41,319 --> 02:57:47,080
Murat seizes the moment, and
charges forward with his cavalry.
1623
02:57:47,080 --> 02:57:50,000
The second line is overrun.
1624
02:57:50,000 --> 02:57:57,319
Murat pushes on to the Ottoman camp,
and despite a gunshot wound to the face,
1625
02:57:57,319 --> 02:58:04,000
captures Mustafa Pasha at the point of his sword.
1626
02:58:04,000 --> 02:58:10,399
By 1pm, the Turkish army has ceased to exist.
1627
02:58:10,399 --> 02:58:18,439
Just 5,000 survivors remain, holed up in
the fortress. They surrender 8 days later,
1628
02:58:18,439 --> 02:58:39,559
on 2nd August - one year to the day after
the destruction of Napoleon’s fleet.
1629
02:58:39,560 --> 02:58:43,720
The Battle of Aboukir is a
great victory for Napoleon,
1630
02:58:43,720 --> 02:58:48,040
and does much to repair his
reputation after defeat at Acre.
1631
02:58:49,359 --> 02:59:00,359
But news now reaches him of developments in
Europe. And for France, the news is not good.
1632
02:59:00,359 --> 02:59:08,439
A new Second Coalition has been formed against
France, led by Britain, Russia and Austria.
1633
02:59:08,439 --> 02:59:13,719
Their armies have won a series of battles
against the French – reversing almost all
1634
02:59:13,720 --> 02:59:21,319
Napoleon’s gains in Italy – and now
threaten the Republic with invasion.
1635
02:59:21,319 --> 02:59:28,519
It is no time for France’s best general to
be far from home, unable to influence events.
1636
02:59:28,520 --> 02:59:38,920
La Patrie is in danger. Napoleon’s
next move is not in doubt.
1637
02:59:38,920 --> 02:59:45,840
On the evening of 23rd August, Napoleon
quietly boards a frigate near Alexandria,
1638
02:59:45,840 --> 02:59:55,760
with a small entourage, including Berthier,
Marmont, Lannes, and Murat.. and sails for France.
1639
02:59:55,760 --> 03:00:01,040
To his army, he leaves only a short proclamation.
1640
03:00:01,040 --> 03:00:06,600
"The news from Europe had determined me to
proceed to France. I leave the command of
1641
03:00:06,600 --> 03:00:13,680
the army to General Kléber. The army shall
hear from me forthwith; at present I can
1642
03:00:13,680 --> 03:00:26,000
say no more. It costs me much pain to quit
troops to whom I am so strongly attached.”
1643
03:00:26,000 --> 03:00:30,800
General Kléber is not amused
by his sudden promotion.
1644
03:00:30,800 --> 03:00:36,040
“He’s deserted us with his breeches
full of merde,” he declares,
1645
03:00:36,040 --> 03:00:41,239
“When we get back to Europe,
we’ll rub his face in it.”
1646
03:00:41,239 --> 03:00:46,920
But Kléber will never return to
Europe. The following summer,
1647
03:00:46,920 --> 03:00:54,680
he is stabbed to death in Cairo
by a young Muslim radical.
1648
03:00:54,680 --> 03:01:00,760
The remnants of the French army in
Egypt surrender to the British in 1801,
1649
03:01:00,760 --> 03:01:05,439
following defeat at the Battle of Alexandria.
1650
03:01:05,439 --> 03:01:17,919
They are later repatriated by the British
navy, under the terms of a peace treaty.
1651
03:01:34,120 --> 03:01:39,720
Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt
was a costly failure for France.
1652
03:01:39,720 --> 03:01:45,760
Its aims, which had always been vague
and opportunistic, became impossible
1653
03:01:45,760 --> 03:01:53,720
following the destruction of
the French fleet at Aboukir.
1654
03:01:53,720 --> 03:02:00,160
And though it has lived long in popular
imagination - for every dashing act of heroism,
1655
03:02:00,160 --> 03:02:09,720
or romantic legend, there was a moment of
immense brutality, and terrible suffering.
1656
03:02:09,720 --> 03:02:13,840
The expedition did have one positive legacy.
1657
03:02:13,840 --> 03:02:19,560
Shortly before he left for France, Napoleon
was invited to inspect a stone slab that his
1658
03:02:19,560 --> 03:02:27,760
troops had pulled from the rubble, while
building a fort near the town of Rosetta.
1659
03:02:27,760 --> 03:02:35,640
Dating to the second century BC, the slab
was inscribed with a royal decree. Uniquely,
1660
03:02:35,640 --> 03:02:44,880
the same text appeared in Demotic,
Ancient Greek.. and Egyptian hieroglyphs.
1661
03:02:44,880 --> 03:02:50,840
The French had to hand it over to the
British under the terms of their surrender,
1662
03:02:50,840 --> 03:02:57,040
which is why the ‘Rosetta Stone’
now sits in the British Museum.
1663
03:02:57,040 --> 03:03:02,840
Two decades after its rediscovery, the
Stone proved the key to unlocking the
1664
03:03:02,840 --> 03:03:11,000
lost language of Egyptian hieroglyphs – and
revolutionizing the study of Ancient Egypt.
1665
03:03:11,000 --> 03:03:17,800
This and other discoveries by the French ‘Savants’
spawned an entirely new discipline – Egyptology
1666
03:03:17,800 --> 03:03:30,200
– the study of Egypt’s distant past, that
continues to fascinate and amaze us to this day.
1667
03:03:30,200 --> 03:03:33,000
Napoleon’s voyage across the Mediterranean
1668
03:03:33,000 --> 03:03:39,040
takes 41 days – and involves some
close shaves with the Royal Navy.
1669
03:03:39,040 --> 03:03:43,479
But his destiny was not to
be thwarted a second time.
1670
03:03:43,479 --> 03:03:49,439
En route, he makes his last visit to
Corsica, and the town of his birth...
1671
03:03:49,439 --> 03:04:15,639
Before setting off for France… to take the
next step in his astonishing rise to power.
1672
03:04:15,640 --> 03:04:17,720
October 1799.
1673
03:04:21,160 --> 03:04:25,439
After 500 days campaigning in Egypt and Syria,
1674
03:04:25,439 --> 03:04:39,559
Napoleon has returned to France... and with
a small entourage, he travels north to Paris.
1675
03:04:39,560 --> 03:04:43,200
Everywhere he goes, he is greeted by crowds,
1676
03:04:43,200 --> 03:04:47,639
embraced by dignitaries, and
feted as a conquering hero.
1677
03:04:50,160 --> 03:04:57,239
But such celebrations cannot hide that
France is a country in crisis, and despair.
1678
03:04:57,239 --> 03:05:05,000
Banditry is so rife that Napoleon’s
own luggage is stolen en route.
1679
03:05:05,000 --> 03:05:10,920
Prices are soaring. So too are
taxes. Trade has been decimated
1680
03:05:10,920 --> 03:05:17,640
by years of war and blockade. There is
conscription, censorship, and corruption.
1681
03:05:22,600 --> 03:05:30,680
Abroad, France once more faces a powerful
coalition of enemies. And though General
1682
03:05:30,680 --> 03:05:42,319
Masséna’s brilliant victory at Zurich
has won respite, France is not safe yet.
1683
03:05:42,319 --> 03:05:47,639
But in Bonaparte, many see
a saviour for the country.
1684
03:05:49,000 --> 03:05:53,479
Thanks to his own propaganda, everyone
has heard of his brilliant victories
1685
03:05:53,479 --> 03:06:00,799
in Italy and Egypt. His name is
celebrated in newspapers and plays.
1686
03:06:00,800 --> 03:06:15,640
The air rings with cries of ‘Hurrah for
Bonaparte! He will save the country!’
1687
03:06:15,640 --> 03:06:22,399
Not everyone is thrilled by the general’s return.
1688
03:06:22,399 --> 03:06:27,200
At the very top of French government, some
wonder if Bonaparte should not be court
1689
03:06:27,200 --> 03:06:36,679
martialled for abandoning his army in Egypt
– and now, flouting France’s quarantine laws!
1690
03:06:36,680 --> 03:06:41,000
However, Napoleon does now have a
letter from the Directory ordering
1691
03:06:41,000 --> 03:06:47,520
his return to France – though
he acted before receiving it.
1692
03:06:48,439 --> 03:06:57,319
There’s also concern that a move against such
a hugely popular general could easily backfire.
1693
03:06:57,319 --> 03:07:02,279
For his part, Napoleon regards
the government with contempt,
1694
03:07:02,279 --> 03:07:06,679
a sentiment he’s happy to share in private.
1695
03:07:06,680 --> 03:07:10,920
Over breakfast, he tells General Thiébault:
1696
03:07:10,920 --> 03:07:17,520
“These men are bringing France down to the level
of their own blundering. They are degrading her...
1697
03:07:18,319 --> 03:07:24,439
Well, what can generals expect
from this government of lawyers.”
1698
03:07:24,439 --> 03:07:28,200
To Napoleon, it’s self-evident that he would do a
1699
03:07:28,200 --> 03:07:36,960
better job, given all his glorious
achievements in Italy and Egypt.
1700
03:07:36,960 --> 03:07:42,040
Since 1795, France has been
ruled by ‘The Directory’,
1701
03:07:42,040 --> 03:07:47,439
a five-man executive whose
members hold power for five years.
1702
03:07:48,040 --> 03:07:51,399
In 1799, its members are…
1703
03:07:51,399 --> 03:07:59,120
Paul Barras – Napoleon’s first patron, infamously
corrupt and dissolute, but a shrewd political
1704
03:07:59,120 --> 03:08:04,960
operator. He has been a permanent member
of the Directory since its formation.
1705
03:08:04,960 --> 03:08:09,600
Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès – a former
priest, who wrote the Revolution’s
1706
03:08:09,600 --> 03:08:17,160
most famous political pamphlet. Now regarded
as the leading political thinker in France.
1707
03:08:17,160 --> 03:08:19,880
Then three staunch republicans,
1708
03:08:19,880 --> 03:08:25,239
appointed to the Directory just four
months ago, under outside pressure:
1709
03:08:25,239 --> 03:08:32,239
Louis Gohier – a veteran Jacobin, and
former minister in the National Convention.
1710
03:08:32,239 --> 03:08:40,120
Jean-Francois Moulin – a Jacobin general, who
had commanded in the bloody war in the Vendée.
1711
03:08:40,120 --> 03:08:47,599
And Pierre Roger-Ducos – a more
moderate figure, and ally of Sieyès.
1712
03:08:47,600 --> 03:08:50,000
The other major element of government,
1713
03:08:50,000 --> 03:08:57,080
the legislature, is comprised of the
‘Council of 500’, who draft laws…
1714
03:08:57,080 --> 03:09:01,239
And the ‘Council of Elders’, who approve them.
1715
03:09:01,239 --> 03:09:07,519
Members of both councils dress in extravagant
costumes... inspired by their great model,
1716
03:09:07,520 --> 03:09:13,680
to which they refer constantly,
the ancient Republic of Rome.
1717
03:09:13,680 --> 03:09:21,040
This government – the Directory in particular - is
now widely regarded as corrupt, ineffective, and
1718
03:09:21,040 --> 03:09:45,640
unfit to survive. And powerful men on the inside
will play a leading role in its destruction.
1719
03:09:45,640 --> 03:09:51,880
On his return to Paris, Napoleon takes up
residence in the home of the Beauharnais family,
1720
03:09:51,880 --> 03:09:59,680
on rue de la Victoire – which has
been renamed in his own honour.
1721
03:09:59,680 --> 03:10:02,399
Given the unsettled political climate,
1722
03:10:02,399 --> 03:10:09,319
he faces an uncertain and potentially
dangerous few months in the capital.
1723
03:10:09,319 --> 03:10:13,799
One man he can count on as a
valuable guide – his younger brother,
1724
03:10:13,800 --> 03:10:21,439
Lucien. He serves in the Council
of 500 as the deputy for Corsica,
1725
03:10:21,439 --> 03:10:31,359
and has recently been elected its President. As
such, he will be a key player in the weeks ahead.
1726
03:10:31,359 --> 03:10:35,080
But first, comes a stormy reunion with his wife,
1727
03:10:35,080 --> 03:10:42,239
Josephine.. which quickly gives
way to a passionate rapprochement.
1728
03:10:42,239 --> 03:10:48,479
Both have been guilty of infidelities.
But Napoleon is clearly still in love,
1729
03:10:48,479 --> 03:10:54,319
and his earlier talk of
divorce is quietly forgotten.
1730
03:10:54,319 --> 03:10:58,040
Henceforth Josephine will prove a faithful wife,
1731
03:10:58,040 --> 03:11:07,439
and through her social connections,
an important political ally.
1732
03:11:07,439 --> 03:11:15,120
Paris is awash with talk
of plots and conspiracies:
1733
03:11:15,120 --> 03:11:22,920
Rumours of threats from the Left: ex-Jacobins,
who oversaw the bloody days of the Terror - and
1734
03:11:22,920 --> 03:11:29,239
from the Right: secret royalists
who want to turn back the clock.
1735
03:11:29,239 --> 03:11:35,040
And there are those who seek a third option…
1736
03:11:35,040 --> 03:11:38,439
Soon after his arrival in Paris, Napoleon receives
1737
03:11:38,439 --> 03:11:46,040
a visit from France’s ex-foreign
minister, Maurice de Talleyrand.
1738
03:11:46,040 --> 03:11:48,880
Talleyrand – a keen observer of which way
1739
03:11:48,880 --> 03:11:54,040
the political wind was blowing - had
resigned from the government in July.
1740
03:11:54,040 --> 03:11:57,800
Having worked with Napoleon in
planning the Egyptian expedition,
1741
03:11:57,800 --> 03:12:06,439
he now proposes they collaborate on another
plan – to replace the government of France.
1742
03:12:06,439 --> 03:12:12,359
Napoleon, disgusted by the current
regime, immediately welcomes the idea.
1743
03:12:12,359 --> 03:12:17,319
Talleyrand then reveals that a member
of the Directory itself is working
1744
03:12:17,319 --> 03:12:24,160
to bring down the regime: Sieyès.
1745
03:12:24,160 --> 03:12:28,559
The country’s leading political thinker
has decided that the Directory must be
1746
03:12:28,560 --> 03:12:37,279
cast aside, and that France must have a new
constitution... which he intends to write.
1747
03:12:37,279 --> 03:12:45,439
He plans to sweep away the chaotic, unruly
legislature, and its weak, ineffectual executive.
1748
03:12:45,439 --> 03:12:58,960
To save the Republic, radical reforms are
needed, and an entirely new form of government.
1749
03:12:58,960 --> 03:13:04,479
Sieyès already has the support of
another Director, Roger-Ducos.. and
1750
03:13:04,479 --> 03:13:10,599
the President of the Council of
Elders, Louis-Nicolas Lemercier.
1751
03:13:10,600 --> 03:13:17,121
He even has the support of the President
of the Council of 500 - Lucien Bonaparte.
1752
03:13:17,800 --> 03:13:23,520
Minister of Police Joseph Fouché,
who has eyes and ears across Paris,
1753
03:13:23,520 --> 03:13:30,160
is also aware of their conspiracy,
but has agreed not to intervene.
1754
03:13:30,160 --> 03:13:37,479
Now Sieyès seeks a ‘Sword’, as he puts it: a
military figurehead to keep the army on side,
1755
03:13:37,479 --> 03:13:44,359
and be ‘wielded’ at the decisive
moment... and then ‘sheathed’ afterwards.
1756
03:13:44,359 --> 03:13:47,040
But such a man is proving difficult to find.
1757
03:13:49,466 --> 03:13:56,239
Sieyès’ first choice had been General Joubert
– Napoleon’s talented subordinate at Rivoli.
1758
03:13:56,239 --> 03:14:05,439
But he’d been killed earlier that year - shot
dead at the Battle of Novi, in northern Italy.
1759
03:14:05,439 --> 03:14:14,200
General Macdonald is sounded out, but is too
much the honest republican for such skulduggery.
1760
03:14:14,200 --> 03:14:21,160
General Moreau, who has led the Army of the
Rhine with great success, declines the role.
1761
03:14:21,160 --> 03:14:27,080
In a moment he will later regret,
he recommends Bonaparte. “There’s
1762
03:14:27,080 --> 03:14:34,080
your man. He will make a better job
of your coup d’état than I could.”
1763
03:14:34,080 --> 03:14:40,760
Sieyès does not like Napoleon.
His ambition is too obvious.
1764
03:14:40,760 --> 03:14:47,040
It is Talleyrand who persuades Sieyès
that they have found their ‘sword.’
1765
03:14:47,840 --> 03:14:54,439
On 23rd October, Napoleon and
Sieyès meet for the first time.
1766
03:14:54,439 --> 03:14:58,759
They agree that the Republic is
in grave peril – from enemies
1767
03:14:58,760 --> 03:15:06,720
within and without - and that the
Directory cannot meet the challenge.
1768
03:15:06,720 --> 03:15:16,960
Within a week, they agree to launch a coup
to overthrow the government of France.
1769
03:15:27,640 --> 03:15:33,479
The conspirators plan their coup
for 7th November – 16th Brumaire,
1770
03:15:33,479 --> 03:15:39,559
according to France’s Revolutionary
calendar – the month of fog.
1771
03:15:39,560 --> 03:15:46,920
It’s a risky operation that will take 2 days,
during which any number of things could go wrong.
1772
03:15:49,960 --> 03:15:54,680
Many of the plotters take
precautions. Sieyès carries
1773
03:15:54,680 --> 03:15:59,319
a briefcase stuffed with cash for a quick getaway.
1774
03:15:59,319 --> 03:16:05,279
Fouché, the Minister of Police, has
drafted orders for Napoleon’s arrest,
1775
03:16:05,279 --> 03:16:08,239
in case he needs to switch sides.
1776
03:16:08,239 --> 03:16:14,080
Napoleon sleeps with two
loaded pistols by his bed.
1777
03:16:14,080 --> 03:16:19,960
At the last minute, there’s
a 48-hour postponement.
1778
03:16:19,960 --> 03:16:29,840
So instead, that night, Bonaparte dines at General
Bernadotte’s apartment on the rue Cisalpine.
1779
03:16:29,840 --> 03:16:34,080
They are joined by Generals Moreau, and Jourdan.
1780
03:16:34,080 --> 03:16:39,519
He wants the support of these
influential generals for his coup.
1781
03:16:39,520 --> 03:16:45,800
Moreau agrees to help. Jourdan
promises not to interfere.
1782
03:16:45,800 --> 03:16:52,600
But Bernadotte is outraged, and warns
Napoleon that he’ll be guillotined. “We’ll
1783
03:16:52,600 --> 03:17:24,359
see,” says Napoleon.
9th November - Paris.
1784
03:17:24,359 --> 03:17:30,479
In the crisp hours before dawn, Napoleon
meets around 60 officers that he’s invited
1785
03:17:30,479 --> 03:17:38,279
to his house. He informs them that he’s
decided he must act to save the Republic,
1786
03:17:38,279 --> 03:17:46,399
and asks for their support. They affirm
their loyalty with oaths of allegiance.
1787
03:17:46,399 --> 03:17:50,319
The most important man to
convince is General Lefebvre,
1788
03:17:50,319 --> 03:17:55,279
the no nonsense military commander of Paris.
1789
03:17:55,279 --> 03:18:01,120
But Napoleon knows his man. He presents
Lefebvre with the sword he wore at the
1790
03:18:01,120 --> 03:18:06,559
Battle of the Pyramids, as a mark of his
great esteem.. and the general is won
1791
03:18:06,560 --> 03:18:14,600
over. “Let’s go throw those bloody
lawyers in the river,” he growls.
1792
03:18:14,600 --> 03:18:19,199
At 7am, the Council of Elders
meets in an unscheduled,
1793
03:18:19,199 --> 03:18:26,760
early session at the Tuileries palace.
Only Sieyès’s allies have been invited,
1794
03:18:26,760 --> 03:18:34,199
so without opposition, they
quickly pass two measures:
1795
03:18:34,199 --> 03:18:39,840
First - Napoleon is to be given immediate
command of the Paris military district,
1796
03:18:39,840 --> 03:18:45,439
using the pretext of a non-existent Jacobin plot.
1797
03:18:45,439 --> 03:18:52,040
Second – tomorrow, the legislature will move from
its usual meeting place in the centre of Paris,
1798
03:18:52,040 --> 03:19:00,040
to the Château de Saint-Cloud,
5 miles west outside the city.
1799
03:19:00,040 --> 03:19:04,960
This, the plotters tell the council,
is for their own safety – the Paris
1800
03:19:04,960 --> 03:19:11,520
mob is famed for its unpredictable
and violent political interventions.
1801
03:19:11,520 --> 03:19:16,720
The move is, of course, to protect the
conspirators themselves from such an event.
1802
03:19:19,720 --> 03:19:24,920
At 10am, Napoleon arrives at the Tuileries.
1803
03:19:24,920 --> 03:19:28,279
He speaks to the Council of Elders, reassures them
1804
03:19:28,279 --> 03:19:35,239
that the trusted generals Lefebvre and
Berthier are by his side, and concludes:
1805
03:19:35,239 --> 03:19:40,679
“We want a republic founded upon
true liberty, on civil liberty,
1806
03:19:40,680 --> 03:19:46,640
on national representation; we
will have it!... I swear it!”
1807
03:19:50,760 --> 03:19:58,359
Meanwhile that morning at the Luxembourg
Palace, where the five Directors reside...
1808
03:19:58,359 --> 03:20:03,040
Sieyès and Roger-Ducos announce their resignation,
1809
03:20:03,040 --> 03:20:09,040
and urge Barras, Gohier,
and Moulin to follow suit.
1810
03:20:09,040 --> 03:20:12,560
Barras decides to take a long bath, and will not
1811
03:20:12,560 --> 03:20:21,359
be disturbed. Perhaps he is mulling
his options, or waiting for an offer.
1812
03:20:21,359 --> 03:20:28,679
When it comes, it is from Talleyrand - the man who
perhaps understands him best. With the help of an
1813
03:20:28,680 --> 03:20:37,319
enormous bribe, and the reassurance that he will
keep all his estates, Barras agrees to resign.
1814
03:20:37,319 --> 03:20:42,559
France’s longest-serving Director,
and once-formidable powerbroker,
1815
03:20:42,560 --> 03:20:51,960
quietly leaves the stage. He is driven to his
country house that evening, under military escort.
1816
03:20:51,960 --> 03:20:56,560
Gohier and Moulin are not so
easily persuaded. And so they
1817
03:20:56,560 --> 03:21:01,239
are placed under house arrest by General Moreau.
1818
03:21:01,239 --> 03:21:06,359
Their objections are futile. With
the resignation of three Directors,
1819
03:21:06,359 --> 03:21:12,639
the executive is constitutionally defunct.
1820
03:21:12,640 --> 03:21:16,560
The conspirators have what
they want - a power vacuum,
1821
03:21:17,319 --> 03:21:24,799
to which they will propose a solution,
the next day at Château de Saint-Cloud.
1822
03:21:24,800 --> 03:21:32,439
It will be a day on which
the future of France hinges.
1823
03:21:32,439 --> 03:21:37,879
That evening, as Napoleon rides
through the Place de la Concorde,
1824
03:21:37,880 --> 03:21:43,600
where so many had died under the
guillotine – he turns to his secretary.
1825
03:21:43,600 --> 03:22:14,720
“Tomorrow,” he says, “either we will sleep at
the Luxembourg... or we’ll end up here.”
1826
03:22:14,720 --> 03:22:24,880
Napoleon rises at 4am, and rides to Saint-Cloud.
1827
03:22:24,880 --> 03:22:36,479
There he meets Murat, newly promoted to General of
Division, whose 6,000 troops surround the Château.
1828
03:22:36,479 --> 03:22:41,399
Officially, they are there to guard
the Council members. But as deputies
1829
03:22:41,399 --> 03:22:51,439
arrive for the day’s session, the heavy
military presence is impossible to miss.
1830
03:22:51,439 --> 03:22:57,719
There are long delays - benches
have to be found for the chambers.
1831
03:22:57,720 --> 03:23:07,800
Council members have time to mingle, and discuss
the many, swirling rumours. This time, the Jacobin
1832
03:23:07,800 --> 03:23:16,440
deputies are present, and they’re not happy at
being excluded from the previous day’s meeting.
1833
03:23:18,160 --> 03:23:22,199
When the Councils finally
begin their sessions at 1pm,
1834
03:23:22,199 --> 03:23:27,279
the mood is raucous. The sudden
resignation of the Directors,
1835
03:23:27,279 --> 03:23:39,000
the presence of so many troops, the claims
of a Jacobin plot – there is much to discuss.
1836
03:23:39,000 --> 03:23:42,840
The plotters had hoped for a
quick vote to establish a new
1837
03:23:42,840 --> 03:23:50,479
provisional government. But the Presidents
of both Councils struggle to take charge.
1838
03:23:50,479 --> 03:23:58,839
Hours pass. Napoleon loses patience.
1839
03:23:58,840 --> 03:24:10,880
At 4pm, he bursts into the Council of Elders. As
he begins to speak, he is heckled and derided.
1840
03:24:10,880 --> 03:24:18,160
Napoleon is thrown off balance. He
rambles, mutters, then hesitates.
1841
03:24:18,160 --> 03:24:24,399
When a deputy interrupts, “What of the
Constitution?”, Napoleon flings back,
1842
03:24:24,399 --> 03:24:29,679
“The Constitution? You yourselves annihilated it!”
1843
03:24:29,680 --> 03:24:36,680
There is uproar. Napoleon continues, demanding
action from the Council. Anyone who speaks
1844
03:24:36,680 --> 03:24:42,880
against him, he strongly implies, has been
paid by the British. To any such deputy,
1845
03:24:42,880 --> 03:24:50,120
he warns, “may the lightning of war
crush him instantaneously. Remember,
1846
03:24:50,120 --> 03:24:56,960
that I walk accompanied by the god
of war and by the god of fortune!”
1847
03:24:56,960 --> 03:25:02,840
These ill-chosen words seem to confirm
the assembly’s very worst suspicions.
1848
03:25:02,840 --> 03:25:07,120
By some accounts Napoleon has to be
dragged from the chamber by his staff,
1849
03:25:07,120 --> 03:25:16,319
shouting “You are scoundrels. I will
have you shot if you don’t obey me!”
1850
03:25:16,319 --> 03:25:24,080
Napoleon is shaken, but not defeated. Within
minutes, he storms down the corridor into the
1851
03:25:24,080 --> 03:25:32,559
Council of 500.. where the President, his
brother, has lost all semblance of control.
1852
03:25:32,560 --> 03:25:37,840
The mood here is of even greater
defiance. The deputies have spent the
1853
03:25:37,840 --> 03:25:44,199
morning swearing oaths of loyalty to the
Constitution. And when Napoleon arrives,
1854
03:25:44,199 --> 03:25:49,920
flanked by grenadiers, he
receives a torrent of abuse.
1855
03:25:49,920 --> 03:25:52,840
“Down with the tyrant!” they cry,
1856
03:25:52,840 --> 03:26:02,040
“Outlaw!” “Caesar!” “Cromwell!” – these
the names of famous generals turned tyrant.
1857
03:26:02,040 --> 03:26:09,720
As the crowd presses in, he is
grabbed, jostled, even punched.
1858
03:26:09,720 --> 03:26:16,479
Lefebvre and his grenadiers rush in to extricate
Napoleon from the scuffle. They haul him
1859
03:26:16,479 --> 03:26:40,519
clear, and drag him into the courtyard outside.
1860
03:26:40,520 --> 03:26:46,240
Napoleon is rattled and bloodied.
He seems unsure what to do.
1861
03:26:47,279 --> 03:26:51,679
His old comrade General
Augereau, now a Council member,
1862
03:26:51,680 --> 03:26:59,040
comes out to see him. “You’re in
deep water now,” Augereau tells him.
1863
03:26:59,040 --> 03:27:09,359
Napoleon regains his composure.
“It was worse at Arcole.”
1864
03:27:09,359 --> 03:27:13,479
Nevertheless, the coup totters
on the brink of disaster.
1865
03:27:13,479 --> 03:27:16,439
If the Council declares Napoleon an outlaw,
1866
03:27:16,439 --> 03:27:23,479
it could mean a firing squad,
or swift trip to the guillotine.
1867
03:27:23,479 --> 03:27:27,919
But the riotous disorder
has played into his hands.
1868
03:27:27,920 --> 03:27:32,399
He is the military commander of Paris.
1869
03:27:32,399 --> 03:27:38,920
When he hears Jacobin deputies are keeping his
brother Lucien in the chamber against his will,
1870
03:27:38,920 --> 03:27:45,080
grenadiers are sent to bring him out.
1871
03:27:45,080 --> 03:27:50,160
Napoleon attempts to rally troops
for a decisive intervention.
1872
03:27:50,160 --> 03:27:59,800
News of his manhandling by the deputies outrages
his old comrades. They are raring to go.
1873
03:27:59,800 --> 03:28:13,560
But the Legislative Guard, the 400 troops charged
with protecting the Council, are not convinced.
1874
03:28:13,560 --> 03:28:23,120
It is Lucien who seizes the moment.
He mounts a horse, and announces:
1875
03:28:23,120 --> 03:28:27,199
“Citizen soldiers… the great
majority of the Council is at
1876
03:28:27,199 --> 03:28:33,920
this moment being terrorised by a handful
of deputies armed with daggers... these
1877
03:28:33,920 --> 03:28:41,439
brigands are doubtless in English pay... I
declare to you that these madmen have made
1878
03:28:41,439 --> 03:28:46,040
themselves outlaws by their assaults
upon the liberty of this Council!”
1879
03:28:49,479 --> 03:28:56,599
Then, he draws a sword and
points it at Napoleon’s chest:
1880
03:28:56,600 --> 03:29:01,040
“I swear that I will stab my own
brother to the heart if he ever
1881
03:29:01,040 --> 03:29:06,279
makes an assault on the liberty of Frenchmen.”
1882
03:29:06,279 --> 03:29:16,759
The doubters are won over. A signal
is given. With bayonets fixed,
1883
03:29:16,760 --> 03:29:27,720
troops flood into the Council of 500,
with General Murat at their head.
1884
03:29:27,720 --> 03:29:33,800
“Citizens, you are dissolved,”
he shouts... and then to his men,
1885
03:29:33,800 --> 03:29:38,960
“Get this damn rabble out of here!”
1886
03:29:38,960 --> 03:29:43,160
The deputies scatter. By some
accounts they jump out of
1887
03:29:43,160 --> 03:29:53,479
windows, leaving their robes and
hats strewn across the gardens.
1888
03:29:53,479 --> 03:29:58,839
Certainly, the conspirators had hoped
to avoid the use of troops. But it had
1889
03:29:58,840 --> 03:30:07,439
always been a back-up plan - one that
turned out to be desperately needed.
1890
03:30:07,439 --> 03:30:15,519
Later that evening, a few deputies are rounded
up to form a ‘rump Council of 500’. Joined
1891
03:30:15,520 --> 03:30:22,120
by the similarly-cowed Council of Elders, they
approve the measures that are suggested to them:
1892
03:30:22,120 --> 03:30:26,080
The dissolution of the Directory.
1893
03:30:26,080 --> 03:30:32,279
The adjournment of both Councils for four
months (though they will never meet again.)
1894
03:30:32,279 --> 03:30:41,080
And the appointment of three provisional ‘Consuls’
– a term borrowed from the Roman Republic:
1895
03:30:41,080 --> 03:30:45,120
Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès.
1896
03:30:45,120 --> 03:30:48,920
Pierre Roger-Ducos.
1897
03:30:48,920 --> 03:30:55,479
And General Napoleon Bonaparte.
1898
03:30:55,479 --> 03:31:00,959
Three years, eight months since he
took command of the Army of Italy,
1899
03:31:00,960 --> 03:31:09,600
Napoleon has risen to the summit
of political power in France.
1900
03:31:09,600 --> 03:31:15,920
He will now be one of three men in charge of
drafting a new constitution for the Republic.
1901
03:31:16,640 --> 03:31:18,920
But through his brilliance,
1902
03:31:18,920 --> 03:31:28,239
energy and immense popularity means he
will soon overshadow his two colleagues.
1903
03:31:28,239 --> 03:31:33,319
Only one man will emerge to rule France.
1904
03:31:33,319 --> 03:31:41,559
The First Consul – Napoleon Bonaparte.
1905
03:31:41,560 --> 03:31:45,399
And what better way to cement his hold on power,
1906
03:31:45,399 --> 03:32:02,120
than a new military campaign...
and a return to Italy.
1907
03:32:02,120 --> 03:32:03,720
1800.
1908
03:32:03,720 --> 03:32:12,760
And France has a new leader: 30-year-old
First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte.
1909
03:32:12,760 --> 03:32:16,000
Five months have passed since the Brumaire coup
1910
03:32:16,000 --> 03:32:21,520
cast France’s Directory
into the dustbin of history.
1911
03:32:21,520 --> 03:32:29,239
In its aftermath, Napoleon has skilfully
outmanoeuvred his co-conspirators.
1912
03:32:29,239 --> 03:32:35,399
And in a new constitution – confirmed by
a massively rigged referendum – he’s been
1913
03:32:35,399 --> 03:32:45,839
confirmed as First Consul... alongside
new consuls Cambacérès, and Lebrun.
1914
03:32:45,840 --> 03:32:56,920
Napoleon wields enormous executive
power – and is eager to use it.
1915
03:32:56,920 --> 03:33:02,040
First, he offers an amnesty to
royalist rebels in the Vendee,
1916
03:33:02,040 --> 03:33:06,439
helping to pacify the region,
and freeing up troops.
1917
03:33:06,439 --> 03:33:09,319
Then he creates a new national bank,
1918
03:33:09,319 --> 03:33:15,439
to restore confidence and growth
to France’s dysfunctional economy.
1919
03:33:15,439 --> 03:33:20,479
He strengthens the Gendarmerie – the
paramilitary police – and orders it to
1920
03:33:20,479 --> 03:33:26,839
take ruthless action against bandits,
who infest the French countryside.
1921
03:33:26,840 --> 03:33:29,680
And he transforms French government,
1922
03:33:29,680 --> 03:33:34,960
personally appointing Prefects to
govern every French département,
1923
03:33:34,960 --> 03:33:42,319
as well as Sub-Prefects, and
even the mayors of larger towns.
1924
03:33:42,319 --> 03:33:46,279
Each achievement is trumpeted by
the few newspapers still allowed
1925
03:33:46,279 --> 03:33:55,519
to print... and which are now
entirely under state control.
1926
03:33:55,520 --> 03:34:00,479
But there is no reason to doubt
Napoleon’s immense popularity – and
1927
03:34:00,479 --> 03:34:09,519
that his remarkable energy has begun
to drag France out of chaos and torpor.
1928
03:34:09,520 --> 03:34:16,000
However... his reputation has been forged in
war – and with France facing another military
1929
03:34:16,000 --> 03:34:39,199
crisis, he must quickly turn the situation around
- or his rule could end as suddenly as it began.
1930
03:34:39,199 --> 03:34:48,319
France is threatened on two fronts by the armies
of Austria, which has 200,000 men in the field.
1931
03:34:48,319 --> 03:34:53,359
In Germany, France’s most powerful
force – General Moreau’s Army of
1932
03:34:53,359 --> 03:34:59,439
the Rhine – is poised to launch a counter-attack.
1933
03:34:59,439 --> 03:35:03,519
Moreau is a skilled commander
with influential friends,
1934
03:35:03,520 --> 03:35:09,439
who had himself turned down an invitation
to lead a coup against the Directory.
1935
03:35:09,439 --> 03:35:14,399
Napoleon - warily respectful
for now - offers advice,
1936
03:35:14,399 --> 03:35:18,920
but will leave Moreau to wage his own campaign.
1937
03:35:18,920 --> 03:35:32,840
It is in Italy.. that Napoleon identifies the
greatest threat... and the greatest opportunity.
1938
03:35:32,840 --> 03:35:41,439
Three years ago, Napoleon’s stunning victories
had left France dominating northern Italy.
1939
03:35:41,439 --> 03:35:50,359
But in 1799, forces of the Second Coalition, led
by the great Russian general Alexander Suvorov,
1940
03:35:50,359 --> 03:35:57,920
had won a series of crushing
victories over the French.
1941
03:35:57,920 --> 03:36:01,800
He had then been ordered to
Switzerland... but before he
1942
03:36:01,800 --> 03:36:06,880
could get there, General Masséna’s
victory at Zurich thwarted Coalition
1943
03:36:06,880 --> 03:36:14,160
plans to unite their armies... and
staved off disaster for France.
1944
03:36:14,160 --> 03:36:18,160
The unpredictable Emperor
Paul – incensed by British
1945
03:36:18,160 --> 03:36:25,279
provocations – had then withdrawn
Russia from the Second Coalition.
1946
03:36:25,279 --> 03:36:29,639
But nearly 100,000 Austrians
remain in northern Italy,
1947
03:36:29,640 --> 03:36:35,880
under the aggressive and able
leadership of General Melas.
1948
03:36:35,880 --> 03:36:43,520
French forces, on the other hand, are scattered,
outnumbered and desperately short of supplies.
1949
03:36:43,520 --> 03:36:47,600
It’s nothing new for France’s Army of Italy.
1950
03:36:47,600 --> 03:36:58,479
But even the arrival of the great General
Masséna to take charge barely lifts morale.
1951
03:36:58,479 --> 03:37:01,080
It is a fragile position.
1952
03:37:01,080 --> 03:37:06,559
But secretly, Napoleon is planning a
grand strategic manoeuvre to turn the
1953
03:37:06,560 --> 03:37:12,160
tables on the Austrians, and crush Melas’s army.
1954
03:37:12,160 --> 03:37:15,680
At Dijon, he has begun to assemble a new ‘Army
1955
03:37:15,680 --> 03:37:23,479
of the Reserve’ – under the nominal
command of General Berthier.
1956
03:37:23,479 --> 03:37:28,199
Veterans and conscripts alike
are scraped together from depots,
1957
03:37:28,199 --> 03:37:37,519
provinces and garrisons – until a
force of 60,000 men has been gathered.
1958
03:37:37,520 --> 03:37:41,880
A more cautious strategist may have
chosen to reinforce Masséna from the
1959
03:37:41,880 --> 03:37:47,720
west – using established supply
routes to shore up the front. But
1960
03:37:47,720 --> 03:37:55,840
driving the enemy back on his own supply
depots is likely to lead to stalemate.
1961
03:37:55,840 --> 03:38:01,960
Instead, Napoleon plans to swing
south, through the Alps mountains,
1962
03:38:01,960 --> 03:38:11,399
and emerge behind General Melas –
cutting off his supplies, and his escape.
1963
03:38:11,399 --> 03:38:15,439
It is among the most daring
strategic plans in history.
1964
03:38:16,080 --> 03:38:21,479
But it will depend on secrecy and
surprise – a swift and safe passage
1965
03:38:21,479 --> 03:38:30,759
through the mountains – and for Masséna to
hold the line in Italy as long as he can.
1966
03:38:30,760 --> 03:38:41,680
But while Napoleon’s army is still assembling
in France, Masséna comes under heavy attack...
1967
03:38:41,680 --> 03:38:45,440
On 6th April, General Melas launches an offensive.
1968
03:38:47,000 --> 03:38:53,680
While General Ott makes a diversionary attack
on Genoa, his main force moves to cut the
1969
03:38:53,680 --> 03:39:04,040
coastal road at Savona.. driving a wedge between
General Suchet’s forces.. and General Masséna.
1970
03:39:04,040 --> 03:39:09,800
The French launch desperate counterattacks
to break the encirclement. And General
1971
03:39:09,800 --> 03:39:15,360
Soult wins a brilliant local
victory over Ott, at Monte Fasce.
1972
03:39:16,880 --> 03:39:20,560
But the French are heavily outnumbered.
1973
03:39:20,560 --> 03:39:27,600
After two weeks’ hard fighting, Masséna is
forced to withdraw into the city of Genoa,
1974
03:39:27,600 --> 03:39:33,399
where he is besieged by land and sea.
1975
03:39:33,399 --> 03:39:41,719
General Suchet is harried all the way back
to the Var River, on the French frontier.
1976
03:39:41,720 --> 03:39:45,320
News of the Army of Italy’s
defeat disturbs Napoleon.
1977
03:39:46,600 --> 03:39:51,640
He is relying on Masséna to fix Melas’s attention.
1978
03:39:51,640 --> 03:39:56,920
If Genoa falls before he arrives in
Italy, he will be a sitting duck,
1979
03:39:56,920 --> 03:40:02,680
trapped between the Austrians and the mountains.
1980
03:40:02,680 --> 03:40:09,720
On 6th May, Napoleon travels to Geneva
to join the Army of the Reserve,
1981
03:40:09,720 --> 03:40:15,320
and order the offensive to begin.
1982
03:40:29,399 --> 03:40:45,519
The Alps. 500 miles long, more than 100 miles
wide, their highest peaks more than 15,000 feet.
1983
03:40:45,520 --> 03:40:53,439
They can be traversed by several well-known
mountain passes. But these are narrow winding
1984
03:40:53,439 --> 03:41:03,359
trails, vulnerable to avalanches,
with no fodder for horses and mules.
1985
03:41:03,359 --> 03:41:12,679
It’s a daunting challenge for an army of
50,000, with 40 guns, and hundreds of wagons.
1986
03:41:12,680 --> 03:41:15,560
Napoleon has decided the bulk of his forces will
1987
03:41:15,560 --> 03:41:24,920
cross at the Great St Bernard Pass
- at an elevation of 8,100 feet.
1988
03:41:24,920 --> 03:41:33,560
On 15th May, General Lannes and
his advance guard begin the climb.
1989
03:41:33,560 --> 03:41:39,520
Even in late spring, the mountains
are blanketed in deep snow.
1990
03:41:39,520 --> 03:41:45,040
To reduce the risk of avalanche, they
march at night and early morning.
1991
03:41:45,040 --> 03:41:56,279
A strict silence is enforced. The only
noise – the howling wind and crunching snow.
1992
03:41:56,279 --> 03:42:03,159
The barrel of each cannon weighs
around half a ton. General Marmont,
1993
03:42:03,159 --> 03:42:07,000
commanding the artillery, comes
up with the idea of laying them
1994
03:42:07,000 --> 03:42:14,399
in hollowed-out tree trunks, so
they can be hauled like sleds.
1995
03:42:14,399 --> 03:42:21,559
Lannes’ advance guard snakes up the 8-mile
trail. It’s five hours of gruelling,
1996
03:42:21,560 --> 03:42:27,960
uphill marching, and at several
points the men are close to mutiny.
1997
03:42:27,960 --> 03:42:36,359
But they make it. At 8,100 feet,
they reach the summit of the pass,
1998
03:42:36,359 --> 03:42:44,159
and the St. Bernard Hospice where
food and rest has been prepared.
1999
03:42:44,159 --> 03:42:49,840
The rest of the army completes the
crossing over the next 10 days.
2000
03:42:49,840 --> 03:42:59,239
It is a testament to General Berthier’s planning
that just five men, and a single cannon, are lost.
2001
03:42:59,239 --> 03:43:05,399
Contrary to Napoleonic propaganda, the First
Consul made the crossing on a sure-footed mule,
2002
03:43:05,399 --> 03:43:13,000
trailing the army... rather
than leading it on a charger.
2003
03:43:13,000 --> 03:43:19,279
Lannes’ advance guard presses
forward into the Aosta valley.
2004
03:43:19,279 --> 03:43:24,519
They sweep aside small Austrian
outposts … then surprise and
2005
03:43:24,520 --> 03:43:28,840
scatter a whole battalion at Châtillon.
2006
03:43:28,840 --> 03:43:36,120
But a nasty surprise awaits.. at Fort Bard.
2007
03:43:36,120 --> 03:43:38,760
The fort – held by the indomitable Captain
2008
03:43:38,760 --> 03:43:45,040
Bernkopf and 400 troops - dominates
the pass with its heavy artillery.
2009
03:43:49,040 --> 03:43:55,040
Infantry and cavalry can skirt around it
by means of a goat path. But artillery
2010
03:43:55,040 --> 03:44:02,600
and wagons will be seriously
delayed until Fort Bard is taken.
2011
03:44:02,600 --> 03:44:11,399
A first assault by French grenadiers
fails, with 200 casualties.
2012
03:44:11,399 --> 03:44:13,719
The fort remains defiant.
2013
03:44:13,720 --> 03:44:18,960
And for Napoleon, the clock is ticking...
2014
03:44:18,960 --> 03:44:24,560
In Italy, the French position
is increasingly desperate.
2015
03:44:24,560 --> 03:44:30,479
On 15th May, the garrison of Savona surrenders.
2016
03:44:30,479 --> 03:44:37,000
In Genoa, Masséna conducts a brave and
active defence… though in one sortie,
2017
03:44:37,000 --> 03:44:43,080
General Soult is badly wounded, and captured.
2018
03:44:43,080 --> 03:44:51,479
But now starvation looms. There
are already reports of cannibalism.
2019
03:44:51,479 --> 03:44:56,000
Napoleon cannot wait for Fort Bard to fall.
2020
03:44:56,000 --> 03:44:59,880
The army must push on
without its guns and baggage,
2021
03:44:59,880 --> 03:45:05,920
and hope to capture supplies from the Austrians.
2022
03:45:05,920 --> 03:45:15,279
On 23rd May, Lannes attacks the enemy
at Ivrea, taking the town and citadel.
2023
03:45:15,279 --> 03:45:22,920
Three days later, he defeats General
Hadik near the village of Romano.
2024
03:45:22,920 --> 03:45:28,520
The Austrians fall back on Turin.
2025
03:45:28,520 --> 03:45:35,359
With 30,000 French troops now pouring
into Lombardy, Napoleon has done it.
2026
03:45:35,359 --> 03:45:43,080
He has completed one of the most famous
marches in history. Italy is wide open,
2027
03:45:43,080 --> 03:46:01,600
and the Austrians are scrambling to respond.
2028
03:46:01,600 --> 03:46:08,960
Melas quickly grasps the significance of
Napoleon’s manoeuvre. He immediately recalls
2029
03:46:08,960 --> 03:46:18,520
Elsnitz’s corps from the French frontier, and
sends his forces to guard the River Po crossings.
2030
03:46:18,520 --> 03:46:23,040
He assumes the French will march to relieve Genoa.
2031
03:46:23,040 --> 03:46:28,439
But despite the desperate plight of
Masséna and his starving garrison,
2032
03:46:28,439 --> 03:46:35,000
Napoleon turns east, towards Milan.
2033
03:46:35,000 --> 03:46:44,840
General Vukassovich holds the city, but heavily
outnumbered, he retreats towards Mantua.
2034
03:46:47,720 --> 03:46:55,040
On 2nd June, Napoleon enters
the capital of Lombardy -
2035
03:46:55,040 --> 03:47:01,720
but unlike the celebrations of 1796,
this time, French troops are received
2036
03:47:01,720 --> 03:47:14,080
in cold silence. Locals have not forgotten
Napoleon’s brutal crackdowns of the past.
2037
03:47:14,080 --> 03:47:23,640
Regardless, in Milan, his army can finally
rest, and requisition much-needed supplies.
2038
03:47:23,640 --> 03:47:30,560
Three days later, reinforcements arrive from the
Army of the Rhine – General Moncey’s division,
2039
03:47:30,560 --> 03:47:38,120
which has made its own arduous Alpine
crossing, through the Gotthard Pass.
2040
03:47:38,120 --> 03:47:44,840
The First Consul is on the cusp of
achieving his grand encirclement.
2041
03:47:45,560 --> 03:47:51,000
Back in the mountains, Fort Bard
finally surrenders. But its stubborn
2042
03:47:51,000 --> 03:47:59,000
defence means Napoleon will be short of
guns and ammunition in the days ahead.
2043
03:47:59,000 --> 03:48:06,560
Then on 8th June, disastrous news arrives.
2044
03:48:06,560 --> 03:48:11,720
Napoleon has asked too much of Masséna.
2045
03:48:11,720 --> 03:48:12,720
For weeks,
2046
03:48:12,720 --> 03:48:18,840
Genoa has been a scene of utter horror –
several thousand civilians have starved
2047
03:48:18,840 --> 03:48:29,760
to death or died of disease,
along with 4,000 French soldiers.
2048
03:48:29,760 --> 03:48:36,319
General Masséna, his own health broken, and
furious at Napoleon’s failure to relieve him,
2049
03:48:36,319 --> 03:48:44,719
negotiates an honourable surrender, which will
allow his surviving troops to return to France.
2050
03:48:46,760 --> 03:48:56,000
The fall of Genoa frees Ott and 12,000
soldiers to march north, to join Melas.
2051
03:48:56,000 --> 03:49:03,439
Napoleon is determined that the Austrians will
not now slip past him and escape his trap.
2052
03:49:03,439 --> 03:49:10,319
And so he divides his army, to
cover all possible routes east.
2053
03:49:10,319 --> 03:49:14,719
For once, it is Napoleon’s
forces that are overextended.
2054
03:49:15,640 --> 03:49:23,000
And it is Lannes’ advance
guard that will pay the price.
2055
03:49:23,000 --> 03:49:32,920
With 7,000 men, Lannes has secured a bridgehead
across the River Po, near Belgiojoso.
2056
03:49:32,920 --> 03:49:41,960
On 8th June, he presses forward intending to
drive the enemy from the Stradella defile.
2057
03:49:41,960 --> 03:49:44,760
But unknown to Lannes, he is on a
2058
03:49:44,760 --> 03:49:50,760
collision course with General Ott’s
division – marching north from Genoa.
2059
03:49:50,760 --> 03:50:14,760
He is about to stumble into a
battle, outnumbered two to one.
2060
03:50:14,760 --> 03:50:21,359
On the morning of 9th June, Lannes’ advance guard
fights a running battle with what it believes to
2061
03:50:21,359 --> 03:50:30,279
be an isolated Austrian unit … driving it
back towards the walled town of Casteggio.
2062
03:50:30,279 --> 03:50:34,840
In fact, it is General Ott’s advance guard.
2063
03:50:34,840 --> 03:50:38,439
What rolling hills and tall
rye fields hide from view..
2064
03:50:38,439 --> 03:50:48,559
is the rest of Ott’s command – 16,000
strong - following up close behind.
2065
03:50:48,560 --> 03:50:55,840
Around noon, the French spot Austrian
infantry holding a ridge to the south.
2066
03:50:55,840 --> 03:51:03,880
Assuming it’s the enemy rearguard, Lannes
orders a brigade to swing round and attack.
2067
03:51:03,880 --> 03:51:09,760
Meanwhile his cavalry continues to Casteggio.
2068
03:51:09,760 --> 03:51:15,279
They scatter the enemy in their path,
and break into the town… only to be
2069
03:51:15,279 --> 03:51:23,599
surprised and counter-charged by a
much larger Austrian cavalry force.
2070
03:51:23,600 --> 03:51:30,120
On the heights, the French make
steady progress... until 4,000
2071
03:51:30,120 --> 03:51:35,479
Austrian reinforcements hove into view.
2072
03:51:35,479 --> 03:51:41,519
Soon Lannes’ men are being
pulverised by artillery fire.
2073
03:51:41,520 --> 03:51:54,960
His force is hard pressed everywhere … and
still enemy reinforcements continue to arrive.
2074
03:51:54,960 --> 03:52:02,359
But Ott is cautious, and holds back a large
reserve. The broken ground leaves him unsure
2075
03:52:02,359 --> 03:52:12,399
of enemy strength, and he has orders
not to be drawn into a major battle.
2076
03:52:12,399 --> 03:52:22,080
At 2pm, Lannes receives his own reinforcements
– 6,000 men of General Victor’s division.
2077
03:52:22,080 --> 03:52:24,559
Lannes wastes no time.
2078
03:52:24,560 --> 03:52:31,720
Victor’s 43rd Line renews the attack on
the right. The Austrian line buckles,
2079
03:52:31,720 --> 03:52:36,239
falling back to a small stream.
2080
03:52:36,239 --> 03:52:41,599
The rest of Victor’s men race towards Casteggio.
2081
03:52:41,600 --> 03:52:44,600
Under a hail of cannon fire, their advance
2082
03:52:44,600 --> 03:52:54,000
stalls.. but the 6th Light Infantry is
able to cross the Coppa River to the north.
2083
03:52:54,000 --> 03:53:04,600
Around the same time, French infantry take Casa
il Giardiana, splitting the Austrians in two.
2084
03:53:04,600 --> 03:53:08,880
Fearing he will be outflanked,
General Schellenberg, commanding
2085
03:53:08,880 --> 03:53:14,520
the Austrian centre, orders a slow withdrawal.
2086
03:53:14,520 --> 03:53:22,960
Seeing this, Lannes sends the 96th
Line forward to storm Casteggio.
2087
03:53:22,960 --> 03:53:35,760
With his men tired and darkness falling,
Ott orders a retreat to Voghera.
2088
03:53:35,760 --> 03:53:41,680
The Battle of Montebello, as it becomes
known, was a hard-fought soldiers’ battle,
2089
03:53:41,680 --> 03:53:51,479
in which French determination triumphed in
the face of Austrian numbers and artillery.
2090
03:53:51,479 --> 03:53:57,399
As Napoleon inspects the battlefield,
he is greeted by an old friend - General
2091
03:53:57,399 --> 03:54:04,879
Louis Desaix – who has escaped from
Egypt during a temporary armistice.
2092
03:54:04,880 --> 03:54:08,120
Just a year older than Napoleon, Desaix is another
2093
03:54:08,120 --> 03:54:14,359
of France’s brilliant young generals – who
will play a crucial role in the days ahead.
2094
03:54:15,080 --> 03:54:20,519
He is immediately given command of two divisions.
2095
03:54:20,520 --> 03:54:25,600
Montebello is a glorious victory
for Lannes – Napoleon will one day
2096
03:54:25,600 --> 03:54:31,199
reward him with the title, ‘Duke of Montebello’.
2097
03:54:31,199 --> 03:54:37,599
But the larger picture is unchanged.
2098
03:54:37,600 --> 03:54:43,680
Napoleon still desperately seeks his decisive
battle – the victory that may end the war
2099
03:54:43,680 --> 03:54:53,199
with Austria, and will surely make his
position as First Consul unassailable.
2100
03:54:53,199 --> 03:54:56,679
Now, Napoleon spreads his forces in a wide
2101
03:54:56,680 --> 03:55:03,760
cordon to prevent the escape of
General Melas’s Austrian army.
2102
03:55:03,760 --> 03:55:09,960
General Chabran and 3,400 men guard the River Po.
2103
03:55:09,960 --> 03:55:15,880
General Lapoype, with 3,500
men, is sent to reinforce him.
2104
03:55:15,880 --> 03:55:25,199
General Desaix, with 5,000 men, moves
south to block the road to Genoa.
2105
03:55:25,199 --> 03:55:33,800
This leaves Napoleon with just 22,000 men -
advancing west onto the plains of Scrivia.
2106
03:55:33,800 --> 03:55:42,960
But the First Consul has been misled by the
over-optimistic reports of scouts and spies.
2107
03:55:42,960 --> 03:55:49,040
Melas is not planning to retreat.
He has concentrated 30,000 veteran
2108
03:55:49,040 --> 03:55:54,120
troops around the fortress city of Alessandria.
2109
03:55:54,120 --> 03:55:59,120
They are well rested, supplied, and
have a great superiority in cavalry
2110
03:55:59,120 --> 03:56:09,159
and artillery. And they are preparing to attack.
2111
03:56:09,159 --> 03:56:14,479
Oblivious to the looming threat,
on 13th June, General Victor
2112
03:56:14,479 --> 03:56:19,679
and his two divisions lead the
French advance on Alessandria.
2113
03:56:19,680 --> 03:56:24,800
In heavy rain, his men drive a small
Austrian rearguard from the village of
2114
03:56:24,800 --> 03:56:31,720
Marengo… back towards a fortified
bridgehead on the Bormida River.
2115
03:56:31,720 --> 03:56:36,279
But the French find the crossing heavily defended.
2116
03:56:36,279 --> 03:56:44,239
And so, soaked and exhausted, with
darkness falling – they halt the pursuit.
2117
03:56:45,120 --> 03:56:49,080
Weeks ago, Napoleon had predicted
that the decisive battle of the
2118
03:56:49,080 --> 03:56:56,359
campaign would be fought on this very
ground: the plain east of Alessandria.
2119
03:56:56,359 --> 03:57:04,359
But now, he is convinced that
Melas will not risk battle.
2120
03:57:04,359 --> 03:57:08,759
What he and his men cannot see
beyond the Bormida - because they
2121
03:57:08,760 --> 03:57:17,680
have lit no camp fires - are 30,000
Austrians, assembled for an assault.
2122
03:57:17,680 --> 03:57:39,960
Within hours, Napoleon will discover
that his army is fighting for its life.
2123
03:57:39,960 --> 03:57:43,399
Dawn, 14th June.
2124
03:57:43,399 --> 03:57:51,279
Napoleon’s forces are spread across 8 miles
of open country and scattered vineyards.
2125
03:57:51,279 --> 03:57:58,599
General Victor’s two divisions are the farthest
west - holding Marengo and the main road.
2126
03:57:58,600 --> 03:58:05,920
Behind him, General Lannes …
and several cavalry regiments.
2127
03:58:05,920 --> 03:58:14,319
Napoleon, with the Consular Guard and
Monnier’s division, is yet further back.
2128
03:58:14,319 --> 03:58:21,399
Melas’s forces are concentrated west of the
Bormida, behind the Austrian bridgehead.
2129
03:58:21,399 --> 03:58:30,359
His chief of staff - General Anton von
Zach - has planned a two-pronged assault.
2130
03:58:30,359 --> 03:58:37,599
General Ott’s division will cross the
river and advance north to Castel Ceriolo.
2131
03:58:37,600 --> 03:58:44,040
Melas, with the bulk of the army,
will attack directly up the main road.
2132
03:58:46,520 --> 03:58:53,760
On a clear morning, at 8am, the
Austrians begin their advance.
2133
03:58:53,760 --> 03:58:57,720
French outposts are driven back.
2134
03:58:57,720 --> 03:59:04,880
At the Pedrabona Farm, Gardanne’s
division comes under heavy bombardment.
2135
03:59:04,880 --> 03:59:13,479
He falls back to join the rest of Victor’s troops,
which are deploying behind the Fontanone stream.
2136
03:59:13,479 --> 03:59:22,080
This narrow, steep-sided waterway runs the length
of the battlefield, and is swollen by recent rain.
2137
03:59:22,080 --> 03:59:28,519
The only easy crossing is a small wooden
bridge at the main road. And on the far bank,
2138
03:59:28,520 --> 03:59:34,640
Victor’s men, are shielded by
trees and sturdy farmhouses.
2139
03:59:34,640 --> 03:59:43,080
As the Austrians approach the Fontanone,
they are hit by a hail of musket fire.
2140
03:59:43,080 --> 03:59:48,960
Scores go down as they
struggle to cross the stream.
2141
03:59:48,960 --> 03:59:56,279
General Hadik leads a charge,
but falls, mortally wounded.
2142
03:59:56,279 --> 04:00:08,679
After several failed attacks, the
Austrians fall back with heavy losses.
2143
04:00:08,680 --> 04:00:17,680
North of Victor’s position, General Bellegarde’s
brigade crosses the Fontanone around 11am.
2144
04:00:17,680 --> 04:00:24,359
But General Lannes’ division takes
up position on Victor’s flank.
2145
04:00:24,359 --> 04:00:32,719
They drive off Bellegarde, and
re-establish the line along the stream.
2146
04:00:32,720 --> 04:00:38,960
It is now a hot, humid summer’s
day – as Austrian attacks continue,
2147
04:00:38,960 --> 04:00:43,920
and fighting rages along the Fontanone.
2148
04:00:44,640 --> 04:00:54,520
More and more Austrian cannon are pulled
up, and begin to pulverise the French line.
2149
04:00:54,520 --> 04:01:01,960
Throughout the morning, Melas’s army is hindered
by narrow crossing points and marshy ground.
2150
04:01:01,960 --> 04:01:08,880
General Zach’s failure to anticipate
these bottlenecks has cost several hours.
2151
04:01:08,880 --> 04:01:17,880
Nevertheless, by noon, the Austrians
have 30,000 men and 92 guns in position.
2152
04:01:17,880 --> 04:01:27,720
They still only face Lannes’ and Victor’s
tiring divisions - 16,000 men and 16 guns.
2153
04:01:27,720 --> 04:01:32,640
The French urgently need reinforcements
– but as the Austrians begin their next
2154
04:01:32,640 --> 04:01:40,399
attack – Napoleon, and the rest of
the army, are nowhere to be seen.
2155
04:01:40,399 --> 04:01:46,159
The greatest danger is on the French right,
where General Ott’s division has occupied
2156
04:01:46,159 --> 04:01:54,239
Castel Ceriolo virtually unopposed,
and now threatens Lannes’ flank.
2157
04:01:54,239 --> 04:01:58,080
Then, the Austrians find a
gap near the French centre,
2158
04:01:58,080 --> 04:02:04,399
and rush three battalions across the Fontanone.
2159
04:02:04,399 --> 04:02:11,879
Around the same time, 1,500 Austrian
dragoons circle around the French left,
2160
04:02:11,880 --> 04:02:17,880
but are charged and routed by
General Kellerman’s heavy cavalry.
2161
04:02:17,880 --> 04:02:26,479
The Austrians do succeed in taking La
Stortigliona farm, threatening Victor’s left.
2162
04:02:26,479 --> 04:02:36,080
An Austrian cavalry charge over the Marengo
bridge is also repulsed by Kellerman.
2163
04:02:36,080 --> 04:02:39,279
But the odds are too great.
2164
04:02:39,279 --> 04:02:44,000
Some French units are completely
out of ammunition. They have just
2165
04:02:44,000 --> 04:02:49,279
a handful of cannon, and their line is breaking.
2166
04:02:49,279 --> 04:02:54,399
Facing encirclement, Victor’s
divisions are the first to give way,
2167
04:02:54,399 --> 04:02:59,920
losing 400 men captured in Marengo.
2168
04:02:59,920 --> 04:03:04,800
Another 300 French soldiers
are left behind in Casa Bianca,
2169
04:03:04,800 --> 04:03:10,840
where they hold out stubbornly for several hours.
2170
04:03:10,840 --> 04:03:16,319
Covered by the 96th Demi-Brigade,
and Kellerman’s watchful cavalry,
2171
04:03:16,319 --> 04:03:23,799
Victor’s division retreats half a mile to
Spinetta and its surrounding vineyards.
2172
04:03:23,800 --> 04:03:28,840
The Austrians pour over the Fontanone.
2173
04:03:28,840 --> 04:03:43,720
Lannes pulls back to maintain the French line.
The heroes of Montebello are on the brink.
2174
04:03:55,239 --> 04:04:05,080
When the Austrian attack began, Napoleon was 7
miles away at his headquarters in Torre Garofoli.
2175
04:04:05,080 --> 04:04:10,359
Although he could hear the distant thunder
of cannon, he did not grasp its full
2176
04:04:10,359 --> 04:04:17,519
significance, and remained focused
on blocking the Austrians’ escape.
2177
04:04:17,520 --> 04:04:24,080
Only at 11am did reports arrive, to
reveal the gravity of the situation.
2178
04:04:24,080 --> 04:04:27,760
Napoleon knows there is not a moment to lose.
2179
04:04:27,760 --> 04:04:31,479
He scrawls an order to Desaix
– who he’s sent to cut off the
2180
04:04:31,479 --> 04:04:36,239
Austrian retreat, and is now 4 miles away:
2181
04:04:36,239 --> 04:04:40,719
“I had thought to attack the
enemy; they have attacked me;
2182
04:04:40,720 --> 04:04:43,640
come, in the name of God, if you still can."
2183
04:04:44,399 --> 04:04:47,839
He sends the same order to General La Poype.
2184
04:04:47,840 --> 04:05:01,080
Then he races to the front with his only reserves
- Monnier’s division, and the Consular Guard.
2185
04:05:01,080 --> 04:05:06,720
By 3pm, Lannes and Victor
have retreated almost a mile.
2186
04:05:06,720 --> 04:05:13,760
Austrian cavalry shadow their withdrawal,
forcing the French to stay in close formation.
2187
04:05:13,760 --> 04:05:20,199
Austrian guns send roundshot
crashing through the packed ranks.
2188
04:05:20,199 --> 04:05:25,120
Remarkably, the French
battalions are still holding.
2189
04:05:25,120 --> 04:05:29,479
When Napoleon arrives, he sees
the main threat is on the right,
2190
04:05:29,479 --> 04:05:34,879
where Ott is poised to turn the French flank.
2191
04:05:34,880 --> 04:05:43,640
To counter this, he sends Monnier’s division to
Castel Ceriolo, forcing Ott to draw off troops.
2192
04:05:45,760 --> 04:05:52,319
But that still leaves General
Schellenberg’s 4,000-strong division.
2193
04:05:52,319 --> 04:06:03,559
So Napoleon commits his ultimate reserve
- 900 men of the elite Consular Guard.
2194
04:06:03,560 --> 04:06:09,520
Against the odds, the Guard repels enemy
cavalry... and holds its own in a close-range
2195
04:06:09,520 --> 04:06:18,800
firefight with Austrian infantry, buying
time for the rest of the army to fall back.
2196
04:06:18,800 --> 04:06:28,239
Napoleon describes them as his “granite
redoubt”. The legend of the Guard is being born.
2197
04:06:28,239 --> 04:06:33,279
But they are now isolated,
and about to be overwhelmed.
2198
04:06:33,279 --> 04:06:42,040
When Austrian dragoons hit their exposed
flank and rear, ‘the redoubt’ crumbles.
2199
04:06:42,040 --> 04:06:49,439
The Guard is forced to flee. Some
surrender. Many are cut down.
2200
04:06:49,439 --> 04:06:57,719
By the end of the day, the Guard has
suffered more than 50% casualties.
2201
04:06:57,720 --> 04:07:04,560
With the retreat of the Guard, Napoleon
has no more cards left to play.
2202
04:07:04,560 --> 04:07:08,239
The French army retreats
steadily through the vineyards,
2203
04:07:08,239 --> 04:07:12,960
battered by constant Austrian artillery fire.
2204
04:07:12,960 --> 04:07:21,920
Casualties and stragglers mean there are
just 6,000 men left holding the French line.
2205
04:07:21,920 --> 04:07:26,680
General Melas is satisfied that
the French have been beaten.
2206
04:07:26,680 --> 04:07:32,760
Having been injured in a fall from his horse,
he now hands over command to his Chief of Staff,
2207
04:07:32,760 --> 04:07:42,800
General Zach. Then he returns to Alessandria,
to draft a report describing his great victory.
2208
04:07:42,800 --> 04:08:03,720
But he has underestimated French resilience
– and the fickle fortunes of war.
2209
04:08:03,720 --> 04:08:09,439
General Louis Desaix. Just 31 years old, brave,
2210
04:08:09,439 --> 04:08:21,199
brilliant and modest. Napoleon describes their
friendship as one “his heart has for no other.”
2211
04:08:21,199 --> 04:08:26,159
That morning, his orders were to
lead Boudet’s division - 5,000
2212
04:08:26,159 --> 04:08:32,479
strong – across the Scrivia river,
to cut off the Austrian escape.
2213
04:08:32,479 --> 04:08:39,839
But the recent rain had raised the
water level, and delayed his crossing.
2214
04:08:39,840 --> 04:08:43,000
When Desaix heard the sound
of battle to the north,
2215
04:08:43,000 --> 04:08:47,680
he’d halted his men and
sent a courier to get news.
2216
04:08:47,680 --> 04:08:54,840
Napoleon’s desperate order to return
does not reach him until midday.
2217
04:08:54,840 --> 04:09:04,560
Immediately, he about-turns his division,
and marches to the sound of the guns.
2218
04:09:04,560 --> 04:09:08,520
Desaix arrives on the eastern
edge of the battlefield at
2219
04:09:08,520 --> 04:09:13,360
5pm... to find the French army in full retreat.
2220
04:09:14,399 --> 04:09:19,319
Napoleon is at San Giuliano,
5 miles east of Marengo,
2221
04:09:19,319 --> 04:09:22,880
where thousands of wounded soldiers are gathered.
2222
04:09:22,880 --> 04:09:30,439
The mood is grim, and despondent. But
news of Desaix’s arrival spreads like
2223
04:09:30,439 --> 04:09:37,639
an electric shock. “Here they are!
Here they are!”, the troops exclaim.
2224
04:09:37,640 --> 04:09:42,800
Napoleon is rejuvenated. “We have
gone back far enough today.” he
2225
04:09:42,800 --> 04:09:55,640
tells his troops. “You know that my custom
is always to sleep on the field of battle.”
2226
04:09:55,640 --> 04:10:02,840
The Austrian army is advancing on all fronts.
But they are now scattered and disordered.
2227
04:10:02,840 --> 04:10:11,399
And they have diverted forces north, and
south, in an attempt to encircle the enemy.
2228
04:10:11,399 --> 04:10:15,080
What’s more, General Zach has advanced to lead the
2229
04:10:15,080 --> 04:10:22,000
pursuit – handing overall command to
General Kaim. Several other Austrian
2230
04:10:22,000 --> 04:10:28,840
generals have been wounded – chains of
command have become dangerously muddled.
2231
04:10:28,840 --> 04:10:35,239
Using Desaix’s fresh troops, Napoleon
now prepares a last-ditch counterattack,
2232
04:10:35,239 --> 04:10:39,679
with all the supporting forces he can rally.
2233
04:10:39,680 --> 04:10:50,119
General Marmont concentrates all the available
guns – 18 of them – to blast the Austrians.
2234
04:10:50,119 --> 04:10:58,159
Then, with the 9th Light Demi-Brigade
in the lead, the attack begins.
2235
04:10:58,159 --> 04:11:05,479
The rapid fire of these experienced
skirmishers staggers the Austrian advance.
2236
04:11:05,479 --> 04:11:12,839
General Zach orders up more artillery,
and sends forward his elite grenadiers.
2237
04:11:12,840 --> 04:11:22,239
The 9th Light falls back. To the Austrians,
it seems the French are retreating once more.
2238
04:11:22,239 --> 04:11:26,920
Suddenly, they are blind-sided by
the rest of Desaix’s fresh troops,
2239
04:11:26,920 --> 04:11:32,359
emerging without warning through the vineyards.
2240
04:11:32,359 --> 04:11:39,319
Desaix joins the 9th Light, and leads
them forward in a bayonet charge.
2241
04:11:39,319 --> 04:11:45,000
At this moment, he is shot through
the heart and killed instantly.
2242
04:11:45,000 --> 04:11:52,319
Seeing their commander fall, the 9th Light
cries “Vengeance!”, and surges forward.
2243
04:11:52,319 --> 04:11:58,319
General Kellerman thunders
in with 400 heavy cavalry.
2244
04:11:58,319 --> 04:12:02,799
They crash into the Austrian left flank.
2245
04:12:02,800 --> 04:12:12,520
To add to the chaos, an Austrian ammunition wagon
is hit, and detonates in a tremendous explosion.
2246
04:12:12,520 --> 04:12:15,920
The combined effect is devastating.
2247
04:12:15,920 --> 04:12:21,439
Panic spreads. Morale collapses.
In just a few minutes, hundreds
2248
04:12:21,439 --> 04:12:25,879
of Austrians lay down their arms, and surrender.
2249
04:12:25,880 --> 04:12:33,800
Thousands more flee, spreading
terror among troops in the rear.
2250
04:12:33,800 --> 04:12:43,119
General Zach, trapped in the rout, is
among the 2,000 Austrian prisoners.
2251
04:13:02,319 --> 04:13:10,040
In an instant, the entire momentum
of the battle has swung 180 degrees.
2252
04:13:10,040 --> 04:13:17,479
Thousands of French troops, who’d been retreating
moments ago, stop, and join the attack.
2253
04:13:17,479 --> 04:13:22,000
As the Austrian centre collapses,
General Ott’s division becomes
2254
04:13:22,000 --> 04:13:32,359
dangerously exposed. His men soon join the
rest of the army in their race to escape.
2255
04:13:32,359 --> 04:13:38,080
Later that evening, General Murat adds
the coup de grâce, launching a final
2256
04:13:38,080 --> 04:13:46,319
French cavalry charge that seals victory, and
drives the enemy back to their bridgehead.
2257
04:13:46,319 --> 04:13:52,519
The Battle of Marengo was one of the
greatest comebacks of the Napoleonic era.
2258
04:13:52,520 --> 04:14:00,920
Thoroughly defeated by mid-afternoon, the
French are completely victorious by nightfall.
2259
04:14:00,920 --> 04:14:06,840
But it has been an exceptionally
costly affair. The French lose a
2260
04:14:06,840 --> 04:14:13,040
quarter of their army as casualties
… the Austrians, more than a third.
2261
04:14:16,600 --> 04:14:21,080
Napoleon himself contributed
little to the victory.
2262
04:14:21,080 --> 04:14:26,279
If not for the skill of his officers, the
steadiness of his troops, and above all,
2263
04:14:26,279 --> 04:14:32,080
Desaix’s last-minute arrival, he
would surely have been defeated.
2264
04:14:32,080 --> 04:14:35,119
The taste of victory is soured further
2265
04:14:35,119 --> 04:14:39,880
when Napoleon learns that his
friend Desaix has been killed.
2266
04:14:39,880 --> 04:14:47,199
He tells his secretary, ’Yes, Bourienne,
I am satisfied. But Desaix! Ah, what a
2267
04:14:47,199 --> 04:14:54,599
triumph this would have been if I could have
embraced him tonight on the field of battle!’
2268
04:14:54,600 --> 04:15:00,640
Instead, he dines alone... according
to legend, on a hastily-improvised
2269
04:15:00,640 --> 04:15:11,520
dish of local ingredients... that
becomes known as Chicken Marengo.
2270
04:15:11,520 --> 04:15:19,080
General Melas, shaken by his unexpected
defeat, is unsure how to react.
2271
04:15:19,080 --> 04:15:25,760
Some of his officers urge him to continue
fighting. Others advise him to escape.
2272
04:15:25,760 --> 04:15:31,840
French forces are closing in from all directions.
2273
04:15:31,840 --> 04:15:38,560
Hoping to buy time, Melas proposes
a ceasefire to bury the dead.
2274
04:15:38,560 --> 04:15:43,040
Napoleon refuses, unless Melas is also willing to
2275
04:15:43,040 --> 04:15:49,600
discuss terms for the Austrian
evacuation of northwest Italy.
2276
04:15:49,600 --> 04:15:57,720
With little bargaining leverage,
the old Austrian general accepts.
2277
04:15:57,720 --> 04:16:06,560
Over the following days, Melas and Berthier
negotiate a comprehensive armistice.
2278
04:16:06,560 --> 04:16:13,279
In exchange for safe passage back to
Austria, Melas agrees to evacuate Piedmont,
2279
04:16:13,279 --> 04:16:17,040
Genoa, and Lombardy.
2280
04:16:17,040 --> 04:16:21,960
France will once more dominate northern Italy.
2281
04:16:21,960 --> 04:16:29,399
Napoleon has achieved his victory and cemented
his position as France’s new head of state.
2282
04:16:29,399 --> 04:16:34,279
What’s more – the near-miraculous
manner of his victory assures him,
2283
04:16:34,279 --> 04:16:43,279
more than ever, of his own special destiny.
The gods of War and Fortune are with him.
2284
04:16:43,279 --> 04:16:49,679
What limit can there be to his accomplishments?
2285
04:16:49,680 --> 04:16:54,040
That winter, Moreau inflicts
a second crushing defeat on
2286
04:16:54,040 --> 04:16:58,880
the Austrians.. at the Battle of Hohenlinden.
2287
04:16:58,880 --> 04:17:06,520
Defeated in Italy - and now Germany
too - Austria finally sues for peace.
2288
04:17:06,520 --> 04:17:12,840
The subsequent Treaty of Lunéville sees the
French frontier advance to the River Rhine.
2289
04:17:14,040 --> 04:17:19,399
In Italy, French client republics
are officially recognised by Austria,
2290
04:17:19,399 --> 04:17:24,439
and the following year, France annexes Piedmont.
2291
04:17:24,439 --> 04:17:30,080
France is now larger and stronger than at
any time since the reign of Charlemagne,
2292
04:17:30,080 --> 04:17:32,920
a thousand years ago.
2293
04:17:32,920 --> 04:17:39,000
She has just one remaining enemy – Great Britain.
2294
04:17:39,000 --> 04:17:43,159
In 1801, British victories at Alexandria...
2295
04:17:43,159 --> 04:17:52,040
and Copenhagen... drive home the fact that France
cannot challenge Britain at sea, nor abroad.
2296
04:17:52,040 --> 04:17:56,960
Britain has seen her continental allies
defeated, and Russia is now actually
2297
04:17:56,960 --> 04:18:05,640
threatening war. She has no prospect of building
another coalition to challenge France on land.
2298
04:18:05,640 --> 04:18:09,479
Both sides are exhausted by war.
2299
04:18:09,479 --> 04:18:20,239
The result, after months of negotiation – peace!
For the first time in Europe in ten years.
2300
04:18:20,239 --> 04:18:31,119
How long it will last... nobody is quite sure.
2301
04:18:31,119 --> 04:18:35,080
Big thanks to Osprey Publishing,
for kind permission to use several
2302
04:18:35,080 --> 04:18:39,720
of their images in this video. You’ll
find links to some great Osprey titles
2303
04:18:39,720 --> 04:18:45,640
on this topic - and other historical
campaigns - in our video description.
2304
04:18:45,640 --> 04:18:50,439
Thanks as always to the Patreon supporters
who help to make this channel possible – from
2305
04:18:50,439 --> 04:18:54,839
builders, such as Charlie, Dan
Wilder, and Samuel Lamar Jackson...
2306
04:18:54,840 --> 04:18:59,239
To citizens such as Clemens, Tyler
Hammond and Henry Ollarves...
2307
04:18:59,239 --> 04:19:02,639
And heroes, like Phillip Vladimir Klochan.
2308
04:19:02,640 --> 04:19:12,720
Join their ranks by joining us on Patreon, where
you’ll get early, ad-free access to new videos.
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