The Age of Napoleon Podcast Episode 31: The Walls of Mantua
Jul 30, 2018
French Army pushes north to Germany, major battle at Bassano, worsening conditions in Mantua, young Austrian commander Archduke Charles, aftermath of battle and broader implications, troop deployments, Battle of Rovareto, Austrians reach Mantua and plan breakout, Battle of San Giorgio, embracing modern warfare
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Risk And Reward Of Concentrating Forces
- Napoleon left a besieged 12,000-man garrison unchecked to concentrate his forces and won at Castiglione.
- That gamble secured northern Italy but left valuable artillery and risks in his rear.
Strategic Orders Versus Field Realities
- Paris ordered Napoleon north to support Moreau despite Alpine obstacles and poor communications.
- Napoleon objected but complied, showing strategic tension between central direction and field reality.
Surprise Attack At Rovereto
- Messina's division stumbled into Davidevich's column near Rovereto and surprised them during dinner.
- The Austrians suffered ~3,000 casualties while the French lost about 700.