In the Siege of Genoa (April 6-June 4, 1800) the Austrians besieged and captured Genoa but the smaller French force under André Masséna had diverted enough Austrian troops so that Napoleon could win the Battle of Marengo.
After Massena's victory in the Second Battle of Zurich the alliance between Russia and Austria ended. Despite this it did not end the war and when Napoleon came back from Egypt and proclaimed himself First Consul, the French pro...
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In the Siege of Genoa (April 6-June 4, 1800) the Austrians besieged and captured Genoa but the smaller French force under André Masséna had diverted enough Austrian troops so that Napoleon could win the Battle of Marengo.
After Massena's victory in the Second Battle of Zurich the alliance between Russia and Austria ended. Despite this it did not end the war and when Napoleon came back from Egypt and proclaimed himself First Consul, the French prospects of victory improved even more. However, Napoleon needed time in order to bring his troops in Italy so he ordered Massena to hold Nice and Genoa at all cost until he arrived.
Initially the French had about 60,000 soldiers, but due to diseases they were reduced to about 36,000 fighting men. Austrian commander Melas had around 120,000 soldiers available in Italy. After the first engagements despite the bravery of the French commanded by Suchet and Soult Genoa was soon cut off from any outside help and by April 6 the French were surrounded...
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