What is the primary subject of this article?

The article details the Battle of Trebbia, a significant engagement fought from June 17-20, 1799, during the War of the Second Coalition.

Where did the Battle of Trebbia take place?

The battle occurred near the Tidone, Trebbia, and Nure rivers in northern Italy, west of Piacenza, a city southeast of Milan.

Who were the main belligerents in the Battle of Trebbia?

The battle was fought between the combined Russian and Habsburg (Austrian) army, led by Alexander Suvorov, and the Republican French army commanded by Étienne-Jacques-Joseph-Alexandre Macdonald.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Trebbia?

The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Austro-Russian forces, who severely defeated the French army.

What specific military tactic did Suvorov's army employ to achieve victory?

Suvorov's army utilized the oblique order tactic, concentrating superior force on a specific flank to achieve a breakthrough.

What were the approximate strengths of the opposing armies at the start of the battle?

The French army under Macdonald had approximately 33,000 to 35,000 soldiers, while the Austro-Russian coalition forces numbered around 30,000 to 32,656.

What were the reported casualties for the French forces?

French losses were substantial, with estimates ranging from 16,000 to over 18,000 killed, wounded, captured, or missing. This included significant numbers of officers and seven guns captured.

What were the reported casualties for the Austro-Russian forces?

The Austro-Russian coalition sustained approximately 5,500 to 6,000 casualties, including killed, wounded, captured, or missing, with several generals among the wounded.

What was the strategic context leading up to the Battle of Trebbia?

In the spring of 1799, Allied armies had pushed the French out of much of northern Italy following battles like Magnano and Cassano, and were besieging Mantua. Macdonald moved north with the Army of Naples to challenge these forces.

What route did Macdonald's army take, and why was it considered bold?

Macdonald chose to move east of the Apennine Mountains, a route considered bold and potentially risky, rather than the safer west coast road. He hoped for support from another French army under Jean Victor Marie Moreau.

How did Macdonald's army fare in its initial movements after crossing the Apennines?

After defeating a smaller Austrian force at Modena, Macdonald's army moved west along the south bank of the Po River, encountering Austrian covering forces.

Who commanded the Allied forces in northern Italy before Suvorov's arrival?

Before Suvorov assumed command, the Habsburg army in northern Italy was led by Paul Kray.

When did Alexander Suvorov arrive and assume command of the Allied forces?

Alexander Suvorov arrived at Vicenza on April 12, 1799, and took command of the combined Austro-Russian forces.

What was the significance of the Battle of Cassano for the French?

The Battle of Cassano on April 27, 1799, was a victory for Suvorov's forces over Jean Victor Marie Moreau's army, leading to French retreats and surrenders in key locations like Milan.

What happened to French garrisons in northern Italy following these battles?

Several French garrisons capitulated to Austrian forces, including Peschiera, Pizzighettone, Ferrara, Ravenna, and Milan, weakening the French position.

What was Macdonald's objective in moving his Army of Naples north?

Macdonald's objective was to reinforce the French forces in northern Italy and challenge the advancing Coalition allies, aiming to prevent them from consolidating their gains.

What was the composition of Suvorov's Allied army at the start of the Trebbia engagement?

The Allied army was organized into three columns, with the First and Second Columns largely Russian under Rosenberg and Förster, and the Third Column primarily Austrian under Melas. It included infantry, cavalry, and Cossack units.

What was the initial French action on June 17th?

On June 17th, French divisions under Victor, Rusca, and Dombrowski attacked Austrian positions held by Peter Karl Ott von Bátorkéz along the Tidone River.

How did the fighting progress on the Trebbia River on June 18th?

On June 18th, Suvorov launched his main attack. While the French initially held off the Allied drive, they were forced to abandon positions on the west bank of the Trebbia, with fighting occurring across multiple sectors.

Describe the French assault on June 19th.

On June 19th, Macdonald ordered a poorly coordinated assault by his concentrated army, which was repulsed at all points by the numerically inferior Coalition forces, leading to the French decision to retreat that night.

What happened to the French rearguard on June 20th?

On June 20th, along the Nure River, Allied forces overran the French 17th Demi-brigade, which was acting as the rearguard, effectively ending French resistance in the battle.

What was the fate of the French wounded left in Piacenza?

Approximately 7,500 wounded French soldiers left in Piacenza's hospital were captured by the Allies, including several generals like Salme, Olivier, and Rusca.

How did historians like Christopher Duffy and Alexander Petrushevsky view Suvorov's performance at Trebbia?

Historians like Duffy and Petrushevsky considered the Battle of Trebbia a masterpiece and one of Suvorov's greatest victories, with Duffy noting that the campaign alone would have established him as a great commander.

Why is the Battle of Trebbia commemorated in Poland?

The battle is commemorated in Poland due to the participation of around 3,000 soldiers from the Polish Legions, who fought on the French side.

What was the initial French objective when crossing the Apennines?

Macdonald's initial objective was to crush Austrian covering forces after crossing the Apennines and to potentially link up with Moreau's army, though this plan proved impractical.

What was the terrain like along the Tidone and Trebbia rivers?

The Tidone River had steep banks 2 to 3 meters high and was about 100 meters wide. The Trebbia's riverbed was noted to be filled with white stones.

What role did Johann Gabriel Chasteler de Courcelles play in the battle?

Chasteler, Suvorov's chief of staff, played a crucial role in organizing and reinforcing Allied positions, particularly by bringing troops to support Ott on the first day and directing counterattacks.

What was the significance of the date June 18th for the Austrian troops?

June 18th was the anniversary of the Austrian victory over Frederick the Great at Kolin in 1757, and the password 'Kolin' was chosen for the day, potentially serving as an encouraging reminder for the Austrians.

How did Suvorov manage the morale and discipline of his troops during the forced marches?

Suvorov actively managed morale by appearing at odd places along the line of march and using Cossacks to prod stragglers back into line, ensuring his army maintained cohesion despite exhaustion.

What was the outcome of the combat at Bobbio on June 21st?

On June 21st, a detached Allied force under Veletsky surprised and routed French and Genoese troops near Bobbio, sending them fleeing back to Genoa.

What was the overall impact of the Battle of Trebbia on the French campaign in Italy?

The battle was a devastating blow to the French Army of Naples, crippling its strength and forcing a retreat that significantly weakened French positions in northern Italy and led to the rapid fall of subsequent French garrisons.

What was the final disposition of Macdonald's army after the battle?

Macdonald's army retreated southeast towards Parma, scattering its forces and losing many men to casualties, desertion, and capture. Macdonald himself was eventually shipped back to France due to illness.

What victory title did Suvorov receive for his actions at Trebbia?

Following his victory at the Battle of Trebbia, Suvorov was awarded the title Prince Italiysky.

What was Suvorov's general principle for pursuing a defeated enemy?

Suvorov's principle for pursuing a defeated enemy was: 'Pursue day and night, until he be destroyed.'

What happened to the French garrisons in southern and central Italy after the Battle of Trebbia?

Following the defeat at Trebbia, the French garrisons in southern and central Italy were systematically captured by the Allies, with cities like Naples, Capua, Gaeta, Rome, and Ancona falling in quick succession.

What was the significance of the Battle of Trebbia in relation to Hannibal's campaigns?

The Battle of Trebbia took place on the same ground where Hannibal had defeated the Romans in 218 BC. Suvorov reportedly took pride in this coincidence and even discussed it with an Austrian general.

What were the key French divisions involved in the battle?

The French Army of Naples consisted of divisions led by Salme (Advance Guard), Olivier, Rusca, Montrichard, Watrin, Dombrowski, and Victor.

What was the role of the Austrian corps under Kray during this period?

Kray's corps of approximately 19,760 men was engaged in the Siege of Mantua, with a portion of his forces covering other positions.

How did the French attempt to counter the Allied advance on the Tidone River on June 17th?

The French launched a determined initial assault, pushing back Austrian Jägers and fighting their way to Sarmato, but were eventually held up by Austrian artillery and reinforcements.

What was the main objective of Suvorov's plan for the attack on June 18th?

Suvorov's plan aimed to concentrate Allied forces, particularly on the right flank, to break down the French flank by advancing from the Tidone to the Trebbia and then the Nure River.

What happened to the Polish Legion under Dombrowski on June 19th?

Dombrowski's division seized Rivalta and advanced up the Trebbia's west bank but ran into Russian forces led by Suvorov himself, resulting in a defeat and serious losses for the Poles.

What was the nature of the fighting in the center on June 18th?

In the center, Russian cavalry clashed with French horsemen, and Russian infantry, rallied by Suvorov, pushed back French divisions under Rusca and Victor across the Trebbia River.

What unusual operation did Rosenberg conduct on the night of June 18th?

Rosenberg took two Russian grenadier battalions across the Trebbia south of Gossolengo, penetrating French lines to Settima, routing a detachment, and liberating prisoners before returning undetected.

What caused the delay in the Allied assault on June 19th?

The Allied assault on June 19th was delayed due to the late delivery of orders to Melas and the need to address French troop movements observed on the northern end of the battle line.

What was the outcome of Olivier's assault on the Allied line on June 19th?

Olivier's assault, preceded by a cavalry charge, captured San Nicolò and two guns, but Allied cavalry and infantry counterattacks, reinforced by grenadiers, eventually threw his division back across the Trebbia.

How did Melas react to the French incursions on the right flank on June 19th?

Upon hearing of Watrin and Salme's advance on the right flank, Melas dispatched Liechtenstein with a task force to counter them, diverting forces that might have been used in a central attack.

What led to the French decision to retreat on the night of June 19th?

Realizing that reinforcements were not arriving and that his army's strength was severely depleted and disorganized, Macdonald ordered the retreat after the day's heavy fighting.

What happened to the French 17th Demi-brigade on June 20th?

The 17th Demi-brigade, acting as the French rearguard, was overrun by Allied forces at San Giorgio Piacentino behind the Nure River, leading to the surrender of its surviving soldiers and the end of French resistance.

What was the total number of French troops remaining after the battle?

By June 22nd, only about 10,000 to 12,000 demoralized French soldiers remained out of the initial 35,000, indicating losses of roughly two-thirds of their force.

What was the primary objective of Suvorov's pursuit after the battle?

Suvorov's primary objective was to continue pursuing the defeated French army to destroy it, as per his principle of relentless pursuit.

What was the broader context of the Battle of Trebbia within the War of the Second Coalition?

The Battle of Trebbia was a key engagement in the Italian campaign of the War of the Second Coalition, contributing significantly to the Coalition's success in driving French forces out of northern Italy.

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Battle Overview

Engagement Details

The Battle of Trebbia, fought from 17 to 20 June 1799 (Old Style 6–9 June), was a pivotal clash during the Italian campaigns of the War of the Second Coalition. It took place near the rivers Tidone, Trebbia, and Nure in Northern Italy.

Belligerents

The engagement pitted the combined Russo-Austrian army, under the command of the esteemed Field Marshal Alexander Suvorov, against the Republican French army led by General Étienne-Jacques-Joseph-Alexandre Macdonald. The battle marked a significant confrontation between seasoned Russian forces and the French Army of Naples.

Strategic Objective

Macdonald's objective was to reinforce the French positions in Northern Italy by marching north from Southern Italy. Suvorov, aiming to decisively defeat the French forces and secure Austrian gains, moved swiftly to intercept Macdonald's advancing army, choosing to confront him east of the Apennine Mountains.

Strategic Context

Coalition Successes

By the spring of 1799, the combined forces of the Second Coalition had achieved considerable success in Northern Italy. Following battles like Magnano and Cassano, the French had been pushed back, and key fortresses such as Mantua were under siege. The French Army of Italy, weakened and demoralized, was in a precarious position.

Macdonald's Bold Maneuver

General Macdonald, tasked with reinforcing the Italian front, assembled the Army of Naples. Instead of opting for a safer route along the coast, he chose a more aggressive approach, crossing the Apennine Mountains. His strategy aimed to consolidate French forces and potentially link up with other French armies, but it exposed his army to a concentrated counter-attack by Suvorov.

Suvorov's Concentration

Field Marshal Suvorov, renowned for his tactical acumen, rapidly concentrated his Russian troops and allied Austrian forces. Recognizing the strategic importance of intercepting Macdonald before he could link up with other French formations, Suvorov positioned his army to block the French advance, setting the stage for a decisive engagement.

Forces Engaged

Allied Army (Russo-Austrian)

Under the supreme command of Field Marshal Alexander Suvorov, the Allied army comprised approximately 30,000 to 32,656 troops. This force was a composite of Russian regulars, Cossacks, and Austrian infantry and cavalry, organized into three main columns under Generals Rosenberg, Föster, and Melas. The army was characterized by its discipline and Suvorov's inspirational leadership.

French Army (Army of Naples)

General Étienne Macdonald commanded the French Army of Naples, estimated at around 33,000 to 35,000 soldiers at the outset of the campaign. This force included several French divisions, notably the Polish Legion, and was bolstered by Cisalpine troops. However, logistical challenges, fatigue from marches, and the initial skirmishes led to a reduction in effective strength before the main battle.

The Battle Unfolds

Tidone River Engagement

The initial contact occurred on 17 June along the Tidone River. General Ott's Austrian forces engaged Macdonald's vanguard. Despite initial French advances, the arrival of Allied reinforcements and Suvorov's strategic deployment forced the French to retreat to the Trebbia River, setting the stage for the main engagement.

Trebbia River - Day Two

On 18 June, Suvorov launched his main assault. The battle raged along the Trebbia River. While the French managed to hold their ground initially, Allied pressure, particularly from Russian units on the right flank and center, gradually pushed them back. The French divisions fought tenaciously but suffered from coordination issues and fatigue.

Trebbia River - Day Three

The third day saw Macdonald attempt a coordinated offensive, hoping to break the Allied lines. However, his attacks were poorly executed and met with fierce resistance. Suvorov's tactical flexibility and the resilience of his troops, especially the Russian infantry, proved decisive. The French suffered heavy losses and began to disintegrate.

Nure River - The Pursuit

On 20 June, the French army, severely battered and disorganized, attempted a retreat. Suvorov pursued relentlessly. The rearguard actions, particularly along the Nure River, resulted in the capture of remaining French forces, including wounded soldiers and generals left behind in Piacenza. The Allied victory was conclusive.

Outcome and Consequences

Decisive Victory

The Battle of Trebbia resulted in a resounding victory for the Russo-Austrian forces. The French Army of Naples was effectively destroyed as a fighting force, suffering immense casualties and losing a significant portion of its manpower and equipment.

French Losses

Estimates vary, but French losses were catastrophic, ranging from 16,000 to over 25,000 men killed, wounded, captured, or missing. This included the abandonment of thousands of wounded soldiers and several generals in Piacenza. The battle severely weakened French military capacity in Italy.

Allied Gains

The Russo-Austrian army sustained approximately 5,500 to 6,000 casualties. Suvorov's strategic and tactical brilliance was highlighted, earning him the victory title Prince Italiysky. The victory solidified Coalition control over Northern Italy and significantly impacted the course of the War of the Second Coalition.

Strategic Analysis

Suvorov's Tactical Prowess

Suvorov's handling of the battle is widely regarded as a masterpiece of military art. His ability to rapidly concentrate forces, his understanding of terrain, and his inspirational leadership were crucial. The effective use of oblique order tactics and the relentless pursuit demonstrated his mastery of battlefield command.

Macdonald's Strategic Miscalculations

Macdonald's decision to advance east of the Apennines, his request for Moreau's impractical support, and the poor coordination among his own divisions contributed significantly to the French defeat. The battle exposed critical flaws in French command and control during this phase of the war.

Impact on the War

The Battle of Trebbia was a turning point in the Italian campaign of 1799. It eliminated a major French threat, allowed the Allies to consolidate their gains, and paved the way for further victories. The battle underscored the effectiveness of the combined Austro-Russian military effort under Suvorov's leadership.

Historical Significance

The battle is remembered for its ferocity, the high casualties on both sides, and its decisive outcome. It is often cited as one of Suvorov's greatest victories, solidifying his reputation as one of the preeminent military commanders of his era. The engagement also highlighted the challenges faced by the French Republic in maintaining its Italian conquests.

Study Aids

Key Figures

Familiarize yourself with the primary commanders: Alexander Suvorov (Allied), Étienne Macdonald (French), and key subordinates like Rosenberg, Melas, Bagration, Victor, and Rusca. Understanding their roles and decisions is crucial for analyzing the battle's progression.

Geographical Context

Study the terrain: the rivers Tidone, Trebbia, and Nure, and the surrounding Po Valley. The river crossings and the nature of the terrain played a significant role in the tactical maneuvers and the battle's outcome.

Casualty Analysis

Examine the casualty figures provided. Note the discrepancies in historical sources and consider the implications of such high losses for both armies. Understanding the scale of the engagement is vital.

Historical accounts present varying figures for casualties. The following provides a summary of commonly cited estimates:

Force	Killed	Wounded	Captured/Missing	Total Estimated Casualties
Allied (Russo-Austrian)	~1,900	~5,000	~500	~7,400
French	~2,000 - 3,000	~7,500 - 12,000	~7,000 - 12,000	~16,500 - 25,000+

Note: Figures are approximate and derived from various historical sources, reflecting the challenges in precise battlefield accounting. The French losses represent a significant portion of their initial strength.

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References

Acerbi's numbers are the same.[4]

Longworth 1966, p. 250 (16,000 at the stage of Ott's reinforcement by Melas' column); Petrushevsky 1900, p. 583; Milyutin 1852, p. 254.

Eggenberger 1985, p. 443 â 25,000 under Suvorov; Duffy 1999, p. 84 â 5,000 under Ott (before reinforcements)

Smith (1998), p. 160. The seven listed grenadier battalions were Ficquelmont, Korherr, Mercandin, Neny, Soudain, Weber and Wouvermanns.

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

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The Trebbia Crucible

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Battle Overview 🗺️

🗓️ Engagement Details

⚔️ Belligerents

🎯 Strategic Objective

Strategic Context 📜

🌍 Coalition Successes

➡️ Macdonald's Bold Maneuver

⚡ Suvorov's Concentration

Forces Engaged ⚔️

🇷🇺🇦🇹 Allied Army (Russo-Austrian)

🇫🇷 French Army (Army of Naples)

The Battle Unfolds 💥

17 June Tidone River Engagement

18 June Trebbia River - Day Two

19 June Trebbia River - Day Three

20 June Nure River - The Pursuit

Outcome and Consequences ✅

🏆 Decisive Victory

📉 French Losses

📈 Allied Gains

Strategic Analysis 📊

🧠 Suvorov's Tactical Prowess

📉 Macdonald's Strategic Miscalculations

⚖️ Impact on the War

📜 Historical Significance

Study Aids 📚

❓ Key Figures

🗺️ Geographical Context

📊 Casualty Analysis

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Battle Overview

Engagement Details

Belligerents

Strategic Objective

Strategic Context

Coalition Successes

Macdonald's Bold Maneuver

Suvorov's Concentration

Forces Engaged

Allied Army (Russo-Austrian)

French Army (Army of Naples)

The Battle Unfolds

Tidone River Engagement

Trebbia River - Day Two

Trebbia River - Day Three

Nure River - The Pursuit

Outcome and Consequences

Decisive Victory

French Losses

Allied Gains

Strategic Analysis

Suvorov's Tactical Prowess

Macdonald's Strategic Miscalculations

Impact on the War

Historical Significance

Study Aids

Key Figures

Geographical Context

Casualty Analysis

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice