Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns

Society for the Preservation of Military History presents
a Military History Lecture:

Napoleon’s Campaigns in Italy (1796-1797): A Reputation is Made

by R.L. Murray

March 24
6:30 pm
NOPL at North Syracuse
100 Trolley Barn Lane

North Syracuse, NY

This lecture will examine the opportunistic rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, from a student of artillery to army commander for the revolutionary government of France, through his first great test, the Italian Campaign of 1796-97. Here, Bonaparte was given the seemingly impossible task of preparing a poorly supplied and near mutinous French army in northern Italy, to defend against a counter offensive by the combined forces of the Sardinian and Austrian armies. Rising to the occasion, Napoleon demonstrated attributes that would make him famous – confidence that inspired subordinates and soldiers, cool-headedness in the face of potential defeat, flexibility in planning and an indomitable will to win. The young Corsican’s successful actions during this campaign alone would have earned him a worthy place in military history.

R.L. Murray teaches American and Civil War history classes at a local high school and as an adjunct instructor at Cayuga Community College. Murray earned his BS in History through SUNY Empire and Masters in Military History through American Military University. Additionally, he is the author of numerous Civil War books and articles on various Civil War topics.