Battle of Lodi: May 10, 1796 The collapse of the Kingdom of Sardinia disadvantaged the anti-French forces in northern Italy, and Napoleon began preparations to cross the Po River and attack the Austrian forces in the Lombardy plain. He deliberately mentioned in the armistice that the French had the right to cross the river at Valenza, and sent troops to the vicinity of the area, so that the Austrian army led by Bolieux would think that the French would cross the river there. On 7 May, the French began to cross the Po River via Piacenza, and Anton Liptoi's troops soon noticed the French movement, and the two sides engaged in an engagement at Fembio, where the Austrians were still outnumbered after reinforcements arrived, and the French crossed the Po with all their forces. Forced to abandon the Duchy of Milan as the French threatened the Austrian left flank and its connection with Mantua, Beaulieu crossed the Ada River and retreated east to Crema, leaving behind a rearguard force of 12,600 men at the Lodi Bridge. On 10 May, the French caught up with the Austrian troops who were crossing the river through Lodi and captured Lodi in one fell swoop, and the Austrian defenses on the west bank of the Ada River were lost. In the afternoon of the same day, the battle for the Lodi Bridge began. The long, narrow wooden bridge is about 150 meters long and serves as an important way to cross the Ada River. Napoleon concentrated his artillery to suppress the Austrian artillery, stood near the bridgehead and ordered the commandos to rush across the Lodi Bridge, and after the first charge failed, General André Massena personally led his troops to charge, successfully clearing the enemy troops on the east bank. The Battle of Lodi resulted in 350 French troops** and 335** Austrian troops and 1,700 prisoners. The Battle of Lodi was regarded as a turning point in Napoleon's life, and he later recalled: "I thought I was just a general, but since then I have ......."My ambition is now revealed. Napoleon began to consolidate his control of the Duchy of Milan after the battle, sending General Augereau to continue to follow the Austrians, while Generals Masséna and Cellurier encircled Pizigetone along both sides of the Ada River. After Pizzigetone's surrender, French troops headed straight for Milan, which surrendered on 15 May. At the same time, the Austrian army led by Bolieu had retreated across the banks of the Mincio River, waiting for reinforcements from Tyrol. At this time, the Austrian army in the area numbered nearly 30,000 men. On 30 May, Napoleon forced his army across the Mincho River via the Borgheito Bridge, and the Austrians were repulsed and retreated to the Adige Valley. On 3 June, the French had completely encircled Mantua, the most important fortress in northern Italy.
The Battle of Lodi was a concentrated display of Napoleon's military prowess, which not only changed the tide of the war at the time, but also had a profound impact on Napoleon's personal position in history. The historical significance of the battle lies in the fact that it shows how Napoleon transformed a campaign into a decisive military and political victory through strategic deception, quick action, leadership, and political wisdom.
Napoleon succeeded in confusing the Austrians by creating a false impression at Valenza before the Battle of Lodi, convincing them that the French would cross the river there. This strategic deception not only distracted the enemy, but also created the conditions for a real river crossing operation of the French army in Piacenza. The use of this psychological warfare shows Napoleon's precise grasp of the psychology of the enemy.
The quick action shown by the French in the Battle of Lodi was the key to their victory. Napoleon was able to quickly adjust his strategy, crossing the Po River from Piacenza and then quickly pursuing the Austrians, and this mobility allowed the French to maintain the initiative on the battlefield.
In the battle for the Lodi Bridge, Napoleon personally commanded and inspired the soldiers to charge, and this leadership and direct participation in the battle greatly boosted the morale of the French army. The bravery and determination of the French generals were also demonstrated by the charge of General André Masséna, and the direct participation of this leadership had a decisive impact on the outcome of the battle.
The French army was able to quickly consolidate control of the Duchy of Milan after the Battle of Lodi, thanks in large part to its efficient logistics and supply system. This logistical support allowed the French to quickly regain their combat effectiveness after continuous combat and continue the pursuit of enemy forces.
The victory at the Battle of Lodi not only changed the tide of the war in northern Italy in a short period of time, but also laid the foundation for Napoleon's future military campaigns. The victory in this battle strengthened Napoleon's prestige and accumulated capital for his later political career and empire building.
Napoleon not only achieved a military victory after the Battle of Lodi, but also politically consolidated his control over Milan. This shows that he was not only a military strategist, but also a statesman, able to turn military victories into political advantages.
Although the Battle of Lodi was a military victory, it also exposed the brutality of the war. The numbers of the French and Austrian armies remind us that behind every victory there are countless soldiers' lives. At the same time, Napoleon's heroic actions in battle also show the brilliance of human nature in extreme circumstances.