What major conflict was the Battle of Cassano (1799) a part of?

The Battle of Cassano, fought from April 27-28, 1799, was a significant engagement within the War of the Second Coalition, which itself was part of the larger French Revolutionary Wars.

Where did the Battle of Cassano take place?

The battle occurred near Cassano d'Adda, approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) east-northeast of Milan, along the Adda River in the Po Valley region of Lombardy, which is in present-day northern Italy.

Who were the primary belligerents in the Battle of Cassano?

The primary belligerents were the forces of the French Republic against the allied armies of the Russian Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy (Austria).

Who commanded the allied forces at the Battle of Cassano?

The overall allied command was held by Russian Field Marshal Alexander Suvorov, with key Austrian forces led by General of the Cavalry Michael von Melas and other Austrian generals like Peter Ott and Josef Vukassovich.

Who commanded the French forces at the Battle of Cassano?

Initially, the French forces were commanded by General of Division Barthélemy Schérer. However, command was transferred to the more capable General Jean Moreau during the battle.

What was the overall outcome of the Battle of Cassano?

The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Austro-Russian coalition forces, forcing the French army into a retreat and leading to the occupation of the Cisalpine Republic by Suvorov's army.

What was the strategic context for the Battle of Cassano?

The battle occurred during the Second Coalition's invasion of French-occupied Italy while Napoleon Bonaparte was campaigning in Egypt. The French army, under Schérer, had suffered a defeat at the Battle of Magnano shortly before.

What was the significance of the Adda River in this battle?

The Adda River served as the primary defensive line for the French forces. The battle is also referred to as the "Battle of the Adda River" or the "forcing of the Adda," highlighting the river crossing as a key element of the allied strategy.

How did the French deploy their forces along the Adda River?

French General Schérer deployed approximately 28,000 men across a 100-kilometer (62-mile) stretch of the Adda River, a dispersed formation that lacked sufficient strength at any single point for effective defense.

What was Suvorov's general strategy for attacking the French positions on the Adda?

Suvorov aimed to concentrate his main body of 35,000 to 36,000 troops for a decisive offensive, while also conducting diversionary operations on the French flanks, such as those near Pizzighettone and Lodi.

What were the main engagements that comprised the Battle of the Adda River?

The Battle of the Adda River consisted of four main combats: the Combat of Lecco on April 26, the combats at Vaprio d'Adda and Cassano d'Adda on April 27, and the action at Verderio on April 28.

What happened at the Combat of Lecco on April 26?

On April 26, Prince Bagration's Russian advance guard engaged and overturned a small French unit near Lecco. Despite initial success and fierce fighting, the French managed to withdraw, and the Russians secured the bridgehead and the town of Lecco.

What was the significance of the French command change during the battle?

On April 27, Barthélemy Schérer handed over command to Jean Moreau. Suvorov reportedly remarked that beating Moreau would be more glorious than fighting the 'charlatan' Schérer.

How did the coalition forces cross the Adda River?

Coalition forces, primarily Austrians under Ott, built a pontoon bridge during the night of April 27-28 at Trezzo sull'Adda, a location considered inconvenient but which allowed them to cross the river and get behind the French positions.

What was the outcome of the fighting at Vaprio and Cassano on April 27?

At Vaprio, Austrian and Cossack forces engaged Grenier's French division, eventually pushing them back after intense fighting. Meanwhile, Austrian troops under Melas successfully stormed the bridgehead fortifications at Cassano, forcing Moreau to order a general retreat.

What happened to the French detachment at Verderio?

On April 28, Josef Philipp Vukassovich's Austrian forces surrounded and engaged Sérurier's isolated French division at Verderio. After a brief battle and running out of ammunition, Sérurier surrendered his approximately 3,000 men.

What were the estimated strengths of the opposing armies at the Battle of Cassano?

The coalition army had approximately 48,000-49,000 men available for operations, while the French army numbered around 27,000-28,000 men.

What were the reported casualties for the French forces?

French losses were estimated between 6,900 and 7,500 killed, wounded, and captured, with some sources suggesting higher figures. Additionally, the French lost 27 guns and 3 standards.

What were the reported casualties for the coalition forces?

Coalition (Austro-Russian) losses were estimated between 2,000 and 2,500 killed and wounded, although some sources provide higher figures, up to 6,200.

What territorial changes resulted from the battle?

Following the victory, Suvorov's Austro-Russian forces occupied the Cisalpine Republic, effectively bringing it back under Habsburg control.

Which French divisions were involved in the fighting along the Adda?

The French divisions involved were those of Generals Paul Grenier, Claude Victor, and Jean Sérurier, along with Pierre de Laboissière's detachment. Victor's and Grenier's divisions included Polish and Helvetic legions.

Which Austrian divisions participated in the battle?

Key Austrian divisions involved were led by Generals Peter Ott, Johann Zopf, Michael von Fröhlich (represented by Franz de Lusignan), Konrad Valentin von Kaim, and Josef Philipp Vukassovich.

What role did Pyotr Bagration play in the battle?

Bagration commanded the Russian advance guard and was involved in the initial combat at Lecco on April 26, where his troops engaged French forces and secured a bridgehead.

What was the contribution of Adrian Denisov's Cossacks?

Denisov's Cossack regiments played a crucial role, particularly at Vaprio, where they charged French infantry and cavalry, helping to halt their advance and contributing to the eventual allied success.

What was the significance of the 'forcing of the Adda'?

The 'forcing of the Adda' refers to the successful coalition river crossing, which bypassed the main French defensive positions and allowed allied forces to attack the French from the rear, leading to their decisive defeat.

What happened to the French garrison in Milan's citadel after the battle?

Moreau left a garrison of 2,400 men in Milan's citadel, which eventually capitulated on May 24.

What was the fate of Sérurier's division after the main battle?

Sérurier's division, which had been positioned between Verderio and Paderno d'Adda, was cut off from the main French army. On April 28, Vukassovich's forces surrounded and forced the surrender of approximately 3,000 of Sérurier's men at Verderio.

What did Suvorov reportedly say upon learning of Moreau taking command of the French army?

Suvorov remarked that it would be more glorious to defeat Moreau, whom he considered a capable opponent, than to fight against the previous French commander, Schérer.

What was the role of the Reisky regiment in the battle?

The Reisky regiment, an Austrian unit, was instrumental in the assault on the French bridgehead fortifications at Cassano on April 27, successfully storming them and contributing to the allied victory.

How did the battle impact the Cisalpine Republic?

The coalition's victory at Cassano led to the occupation of the Cisalpine Republic by Suvorov's forces, returning the territory to the control of the Habsburg Monarchy.

What were the key sources cited for casualty figures in the battle?

Key sources cited for casualty figures include Digby Smith, Nikolay Orlov, Vasily Novitsky, Carl von Clausewitz, Gaston Bodart, David Eggenberger, and Christopher Duffy, with varying estimates provided by each.

What was the immediate aftermath for the French army following the battle?

Following the defeat, the French army retreated, with Grenier's division withdrawing to Novara and Victor and Laboissière pulling back towards Valenza. The road to Milan was opened for the coalition forces.

What was the significance of the battle in the broader context of the Italian campaign of 1799?

The Battle of Cassano was a crucial victory that broke the French defensive line on the Adda River, opened the path to Milan for Suvorov's army, and significantly advanced the coalition's campaign in Italy during the War of the Second Coalition.

What specific French units were noted for their involvement in the fighting at Vaprio?

At Vaprio, Grenier's division, specifically Quesnel's brigade and Kister's brigade, were involved in defending against the coalition attack. The 24th Chasseurs à Cheval Regiment also participated.

What role did Austrian artillery play in the assault on Cassano?

The Austrians placed a 30-gun battery to provide preparatory fire before launching their assault on the French fortifications at Cassano, contributing to the successful capture of the town.

What was the outcome of the fighting at Verderio?

At Verderio, Vukassovich's Austrian forces surrounded Sérurier's French division. Despite some resistance, the French, running low on ammunition, surrendered to the superior coalition numbers.

What was the total strength of the French Army of Italy at the beginning of the campaign?

At the beginning of the campaign, the French Army of Italy had approximately 117,000 troops spread across the Italian Peninsula, though only about 30,000 were available for active operations under Moreau after Schérer's initial engagements.

What was the total strength of the coalition forces in Italy at the time of the battle?

The coalition had around 86,000 Austrian troops and 20,000 Russian troops in Italy. For the operations around the Adda, Suvorov had concentrated about 42,000 men.

What French units were noted for their participation in the battle, beyond the main divisions?

The French army included the Polish Legion and the Helvetic Republic's forces, which fought as part of Grenier's and Victor's divisions.

What was the significance of Suvorov's quote, 'The Adda is a Rubicon, and we crossed it over the bodies of our enemies'?

This quote emphasizes the decisive nature of the battle, likening the crossing of the Adda River to Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon, signifying a point of no return and a commitment to a final, victorious push against the enemy.

What happened to the French forces after the battle, according to Digby Smith's figures?

According to Digby Smith, French losses included 2,500 killed or wounded and 5,000 captured on April 27, with an additional 3,000 killed, wounded, or captured on April 28 at Verderio.

What was the role of the Austrians under Kaim and Fröhlich in the battle?

The combined forces of Kaim and Fröhlich, totaling 13,000 men, were part of Melas's assault on Cassano, contributing significantly to the capture of the town and the overall allied victory.

What was the outcome of the fighting at the bridgehead fortifications of Cassano?

The Austrian Reisky regiment successfully stormed the bridgehead fortifications at Cassano, overwhelming the French defenders and securing the crossing, which was crucial for the allied advance.

What was the approximate number of French troops engaged in the combats of Vaprio and Cassano?

Approximately 10,500 French soldiers were engaged in the combats of Vaprio and Cassano, facing a coalition force of about 24,500 men.

What was the approximate number of coalition troops engaged in the combat of Verderio?

Approximately 17,000 coalition troops, or more specifically 7,470 allies according to one source, were engaged in the combat of Verderio against about 3,000 French soldiers.

What was the significance of the battle for the overall Italian campaign of 1799?

The Battle of Cassano was a key victory that allowed the coalition forces to advance into Milan and consolidate their control over northern Italy, marking a significant setback for the French Republican forces in the region.

What were the primary components of Suvorov's army at the time of the battle?

Suvorov's army comprised Russian troops, including Bagration's advance guard and Rosenberg's corps, and a substantial number of Austrian divisions led by generals like Melas, Ott, Zopf, Kaim, and Vukassovich. It also included irregular Cossack cavalry regiments.

What was the French defensive strategy along the Adda River, and why did it fail?

The French strategy relied on the natural defenses of the Adda River, with steep banks and few fords. However, General Schérer's failure to concentrate his forces effectively along this line, spreading them too thinly over a wide area, allowed Suvorov to exploit weaknesses and achieve a decisive crossing.

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Battle Overview

Date and Location

The Battle of Cassano, also known as the Battle of the Adda River, took place from April 26th to 28th, 1799 (April 16th-17th Old Style). It occurred along the Adda River in Lombardy, Northern Italy, involving key points such as Lecco, Vaprio, Cassano, and Verderio.

Outcome

The engagement resulted in a decisive victory for the Austro-Russian forces, led by Field Marshal Alexander Suvorov. This victory forced the French army, under Generals Schérer and later Moreau, into a significant retreat, leading to the occupation of the Cisalpine Republic by the Coalition.

Context

This battle was a crucial part of the Italian campaigns during the War of the Second Coalition. It occurred while Napoleon Bonaparte was engaged in Egypt, highlighting the broader European conflict and the strategic importance of controlling Northern Italy.

Strategic Context

War of the Second Coalition

The War of the Second Coalition (1798–1802) saw a renewed effort by European powers, including Great Britain, Austria, Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and others, to contain the expansion of the French Republic. Italy became a primary theater of operations.

Italian Campaigns

Following Napoleon Bonaparte's successful Italian campaigns of 1796-1797, French influence was widespread. However, the Second Coalition aimed to reverse these gains. The battles in Italy in 1799 were critical in determining the fate of the Italian republics established by France.

French Command Shift

The battle is notable for the change in French command. General Barthélemy Schérer, whose initial actions were indecisive, handed over command to the more capable General Jean Moreau shortly before the main engagements. This shift occurred amidst the French army's retreat following the defeat at Magnano.

Combatant Forces

Coalition Army

The Coalition forces comprised a combined Austro-Russian army under the overall command of Field Marshal Alexander Suvorov. The army was composed of approximately 48,000 to 50,000 soldiers, including Russian regulars, Cossacks, and various Austrian corps and divisions.

Commanders:

Field Marshal Alexander Suvorov (Overall Allied Commander)
General of the Cavalry Michael von Melas (Austrian Field Commander)
General of the Infantry Andrei Rosenberg
Lieutenant General Peter Ott
Feldmarschall-Leutnant Johann Zopf
Feldmarschall-Leutnant Konrad Valentin von Kaim
Major General Franz Joseph de Lusignan (acting for Fröhlich)
Prince Pyotr Bagration (Advance Guard Commander)
Colonels Denisov, Molchanov, Grekov (Cossack Regiments)

Approximate Strength:

Total available: ~70,000 (including reserves and detached forces). Engaged in the Adda campaign: ~48,500.

Russian Forces: ~12,000 engaged (including Bagration's advance guard and Rosenberg's corps).
Austrian Forces: ~36,500 engaged (various divisions under Ott, Zopf, Kaim, Fröhlich/Lusignan).
Cossack Cavalry: ~1,500 (under Denisov, Molchanov, Grekov).

French Army

The French Army of Italy, initially under General Schérer and later General Moreau, numbered approximately 27,000 to 28,000 men. It was deployed along the Adda River, attempting to hold a defensive line against the advancing Coalition forces.

Commanders:

General of Division Barthélemy Schérer (Initial Commander)
General of Division Jean Moreau (Took command during the battle)
General of Division Paul Grenier
General of Division Claude Victor
General of Division Jean Sérurier
General of Division Pierre de Laboissière
Brigadier General Soyez
Brigadier General François Quesnel
Brigadier General Georges Kister
Colonel François Argod (Killed in action)
Colonel Nicolas Beker
Colonel Jean Roussel

Approximate Strength:

Total available: ~28,000. Engaged in the Adda campaign: ~18,500.

Divisions: Grenier, Victor, Sérurier, Laboissière.
Included Units: Polish Legions, Helvetic Republic troops.

The Battle Unfolds

Suvorov's Strategy

Suvorov aimed to force a crossing of the Adda River, which offered a strong natural defensive position for the French. He concentrated his main forces for an assault while using diversionary actions to stretch the French lines. The crossing points were strategically chosen to disrupt the French deployment.

The Crossing

The battle involved multiple engagements over two days:

April 26th: Combat of Lecco - Bagration's Russian forces engaged French troops under General Soyez near Lecco. While a Russian victory, it was a minor engagement relative to the main battle.
April 27th: Vaprio & Cassano Engagements - The main Coalition effort focused here. Austrians under Ott and Zopf, supported by Cossacks, crossed the Adda at Vaprio, engaging Grenier's division. Simultaneously, Melas' Austrian forces assaulted Cassano, eventually capturing the bridgehead.
April 28th: Verderio Surrender - A French detachment under General Sérurier, isolated by the Coalition's crossings, was surrounded at Verderio by Vukassovich's forces and forced to surrender.

French Response and Retreat

Despite the initial French defensive advantages, Suvorov's coordinated attacks proved effective. Moreau, recognizing the compromised position and the loss of Cassano, ordered a general retreat. The French forces withdrew towards Milan and beyond, leaving garrisons in key fortifications.

Schérer's deployment was criticized for being too dispersed along the river.
Suvorov's crossing at Vaprio, though difficult, bypassed strong French positions.
The capture of Cassano by Melas' troops was crucial, threatening the French rear.
The surrender at Verderio sealed the fate of Sérurier's isolated division.
Moreau's tactical skill could not overcome the strategic disadvantage created by Suvorov's maneuvers.

Consequences and Losses

Casualties and Captured

The battle resulted in significant losses for the French army, while Coalition casualties were substantial but lower.

French Losses:

Killed and Wounded: Approximately 2,500 to 7,500 (estimates vary).
Captured: Approximately 5,000 soldiers, plus 27 cannons and 3 standards.
Total French losses estimated between 10,500 and 11,000.

Coalition Losses:

Killed and Wounded: Approximately 2,000 to 2,500 (estimates vary).
Total Coalition losses estimated between 4,886 and 6,200.

Territorial and Political Impact

The Coalition victory led to the recapture of Milan and the effective collapse of the Cisalpine Republic. The French were pushed back, opening the path for Suvorov's subsequent campaigns deeper into Italy and Switzerland.

Strategic Significance

The Battle of the Adda River marked a critical turning point in the 1799 Italian campaign. It demonstrated Suvorov's tactical prowess and significantly weakened the French position in Northern Italy, contributing to the overall momentum of the Second Coalition.

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References

Orlov: 55 battalions, 50 squadrons, 4 Cossack regiments.

alongside Trezzo sull'Adda; part of the battle of Cassano

A full list of references for this article are available at the Battle of Cassano (1799) Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI and is based on historical data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for educational purposes only. Historical interpretations and casualty figures can vary between sources.

This is not military or strategic advice. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional historical research or analysis. Always consult primary and secondary sources for comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Adda Confrontation: 1799

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Battle Overview ℹ️

🗓️ Date and Location

⚖️ Outcome

🌍 Context

Strategic Context 🗺️

🔥 War of the Second Coalition

🇮🇹 Italian Campaigns

absent French Command Shift

Combatant Forces 🪖

🇷🇺🇦🇹 Coalition Army

Commanders:

Approximate Strength:

🇫🇷🇭🇪🇵🇱 French Army

Commanders:

Approximate Strength:

The Battle Unfolds ⚔️

🎯 Suvorov's Strategy

🌊 The Crossing

🔄 French Response and Retreat

Consequences and Losses 📊

📉 Casualties and Captured

French Losses:

Coalition Losses:

🏛️ Territorial and Political Impact

⭐ Strategic Significance

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Battle Overview

Date and Location

Outcome

Context

Strategic Context

War of the Second Coalition

Italian Campaigns

French Command Shift

Combatant Forces

Coalition Army

French Army

The Battle Unfolds

Suvorov's Strategy

The Crossing

French Response and Retreat

Consequences and Losses

Casualties and Captured

Territorial and Political Impact

Strategic Significance

Prepare for Assessment

Test Your Knowledge

Sources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice