In 1800, Napoleon turned a certain defeat into a legendary victory at Marengo
Facing certain defeat against the Habsburgs in 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte's fate was saved by a desperate, last-minute reinforcement that turned a retreat into one of his most legendary tactical victories.
In June 1800, the Battle of Marengo seemed lost for the French. Napoleon's exhausted troops were in full retreat after a relentless Habsburg assault. The day was only saved when General Louis Desaix arrived unexpectedly with fresh reinforcements, famously telling Napoleon that while the battle was lost, there was still time to win another one.
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