The Army of Italy defeats Beaulieu, takes a detour to confront the Pope, and Napoleon is reunited with Josephine. Corruption in the army is discussed, as well as the campaign to strip Italy of its cultural and intellectual wealth. Napoleon prepares for a new opponent.
52:15
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Quick takeaways
Successful diversionary tactics and outmaneuvering the Austrian forces lead to another victory for Napoleon's Army of Italy.
Napoleon establishes the Guides as a personal bodyguard unit and recognizes the strict orders given to Count Vermser as a potential advantage in the upcoming battle.
Deep dives
Napoleon focuses on capturing Montua
After conquering the Duchy of Milan, Napoleon sets his sights on capturing Montua, a heavily fortified city in northern Italy. The city's natural defenses and powerful fortifications make it a formidable position, but Napoleon plans to take it by siege or storm.
Napoleon outmaneuvers Austrian forces at the Minceo River
As Napoleon prepares to attack Montua, he faces the obstacle of the Minceo River, guarded by the Austrian forces. However, the Austrian commander, Boulie, fails to learn from previous defeats and leaves his forces spread thin along the river. Napoleon employs diversionary tactics to confuse the Austrians and focuses his attack on a strategic bridge at Borghetto. Despite initial resistance, Napoleon's forces successfully cross the river, outmaneuvering the Austrians once again.
Napoleon establishes personal bodyguard unit
Concerned about his safety on the front lines, Napoleon establishes a personal bodyguard unit called the Guides. This unit serves as a cover for protecting the army leadership, and its commander, Captain Jean-Baptiste Bécier, is known for his loyalty and dedication to Napoleon.
New Austrian army and commander deployed
Vienna sends Field Marshal Count Dagobert von Vermser with a 25,000-man army to relieve the besieged garrison of Montua. Vermser, an experienced and old-fashioned general, is tasked with focusing solely on Montua, limiting his authority to other objectives. Napoleon recognizes Vermser's skills but also sees his strict orders as a potential advantage.
The Army of Italy beats Beaulieu one last time, then takes a lucrative detour south and confronts the Pope. Napoleon and Josephine are finally reunited. We also meet Napoleon's next opponent, discuss corruption within the army, and take an in-depth look at the campaign to strip Italy of its cultural and intellectual wealth.