Battle of Lodi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Lodi
Part of the Italian campaigns in the War of the First Coalition
General Bonaparte gives his orders, in The Battle of Lodi, by Louis-François, Baron Lejeune
Date 10 May 1796 Location Lodi, present-day Italy 45°19′00″N 9°30′00″E / 45.3167°N 9.5000°E / 45.3167; 9.5000 Result French victory
Belligerents
French Republic	Habsburg monarchy
Commanders and leaders
Napoleon Bonaparte André Masséna	Johann Beaulieu Karl Sebottendorf
Strength
15,500 infantry 2,000 cavalry 30 guns	9,500 14 guns
Casualties and losses
350	335 killed or wounded 1,700 captured 16 guns

The Battle of Lodi was a key fight during the French Revolutionary Wars. It happened on May 10, 1796, in Lodi, Italy. French forces, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, fought against an Austrian army. The battle was part of Napoleon's first Italian campaign.

What Happened at Lodi?

The French Advance

The French army was quickly moving through Italy. On the morning of May 10, 1796, French soldiers caught up with the Austrian rear guard. This was a smaller group of Austrian soldiers protecting the main army's retreat. The French chased them towards the town of Lodi.

The town of Lodi itself did not have very strong defenses. There were not many Austrian soldiers guarding it. The French were able to get into the town and move towards a bridge. This bridge crossed the Adda River.

Defending the Bridge

The main fight happened at this wooden bridge. On the far side, nine groups of Austrian soldiers and fourteen cannons were waiting. The Austrian general in charge, Karl Philipp Sebottendorf, also had some cavalry. In total, he had about 6,577 men. Many of these soldiers were very tired from a long, fast march.

General Sebottendorf decided to defend the bridge until nightfall. The bridge was about 200 yards long. It was built simply with wooden poles and beams. The Austrians could have burned it down to stop the French. However, they did not.

The Cannon Battle

The first French soldiers were not strong enough to cross the bridge. So, they waited for more French troops to arrive. In the afternoon, heavy French cannons reached the area. These guns were set up to fire across the river at the Austrian positions.

A very loud cannon battle began. French cannons pounded the Austrian side of the river for several hours. Some stories say that Napoleon himself helped direct the cannons. This might be why his soldiers supposedly called him le petit caporal (the little corporal). But there is no clear proof of this from that time.

The Daring Attack

Around 6 PM, after hours of shelling, the French prepared to attack. French cavalry was sent to cross the river upstream. This was meant to go around the Austrian defenses. At the same time, elite French infantry, called carabiniers, got ready to charge the bridge.

French soldiers bravely crossing the bridge at Lodi.

The carabiniers rushed out and onto the bridge. Austrian cannons fired one big shot, causing many French casualties. The French column of soldiers stopped and hesitated. Then, several important French officers, like André Masséna and Jean Lannes, ran to the front. They led the soldiers forward again.

As the French pushed across, some carabiniers even climbed down the bridge. They waded through the river, firing their weapons. The Austrian soldiers were already tired and likely scared. They probably worried about the French cavalry getting behind them. Their courage broke, and they quickly retreated.

After the Battle

The remaining Austrian soldiers used the coming darkness to escape towards Crema. Some units fought bravely to protect their retreat. This stopped the French from chasing them too closely.

The Austrians lost about 335 men killed or wounded. They also had 1,700 soldiers captured. In addition, they lost 12 cannons and other supplies. The French had about 350 casualties.

The Battle of Lodi was not a huge victory because most of the Austrian army got away. However, it was very important for Napoleon. This battle helped convince him that he was a truly great general. It made him believe he was meant to achieve amazing things.

Images for kids

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  Map of the Battle of Lodi.

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  After taking the bridge, the French defeated the Austrians and went on to occupy Milan.