In 1796, Napoleon was given his first major command of the Army of Italy

History
In 1796, Napoleon was given his first major command of the Army of Italy

Before he was an Emperor, a young Napoleon Bonaparte secured his first major command in 1796, transforming a ragged, starving Army of Italy into one of the most feared forces in Europe.

On March 2, 1796, the French Directory appointed a 26-year-old Napoleon Bonaparte to lead the Army of Italy. At the time, the force was poorly equipped, underfed, and demoralized.

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