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Lodi: Bridge Assault That Made A Legend
- At Lodi Napoleon led frontal waves across a burning bridge under heavy fire and lost about a thousand men in the assault.
- The risky assault and eventual Austrian retreat cemented his legend as a fearless leader who fought alongside his troops.
Italy As A Geographical Patchwork
- Northern Italy was not a single country but a patchwork of duchies dominated by Habsburg Austria.
- That fragmented political map made the region vulnerable to rapid military and political change during Napoleon's campaign.
Turning Ragamuffins Into A Fighting Force
- Napoleon transformed an ill-equipped, demoralized Army of Italy by financing supplies and showing relentless leadership.
- Speed, logistics innovation and charisma turned ragged troops into a force that could defeat larger allied armies.